LEXconnectREconnect ing Downtown Lex ing ton

Collaborators:University of Kentucky Department of Landscape ArchitectureProgressLEXNorth Limestone Community Development Corporation

Design TeamLouis R. Johnson, ASLADr. Ryan Hargrove, ASLAUKLA

AdvocatesNathan DickersonAlan Waddell

LexconNEXT: Phase 1A Vision for the Future of Connectivity in Lexington

Stop Typology

Where am I??!?

What time does the bus get here?

I’m separated from my better half...

I’m so lonely here...

THE_problem

Lexington’s trolley system has great intent, but lacks certain aspects of functionality, efficiency and interest.

The LEXconnect team proposes to test a new route and stop system that can simplify, clarify and beautify the trolley system in an effort to increase ridership and the systems overall effect on how residents and visitors travel around the City.

The graphic below represents the current “stop system.” It is easy to see how users, especially new users can find the system confounding.

LexconNEXT EXISTING ROUTES: BLUE AND GREENA VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF CONNECTIVITY IN LEXINGTON

26

1928

22

TOTAL ROUTE MILEAGE

STOPS PER ROUTE

TROLLEYS PER ROUTE

CURRENT_system

Below is the current route and “stop” system. You can see in the graphics to the right the total route mileage, “stops” per route, (which don’t measure the impact of hailing the trolley) and the number of trolley’s per route.

The inequity of the two loops lends itself to overall confusion and inefficiency, and they lack any true connection point. In addition note the North Limestone “Green” route, runs around one of the narrowest blocks in the City with stops on both sides that could easily be walked between.

PROPOSED BLUE AND GREEN ROUTESA VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF CONNECTIVITY IN LEXINGTON

2.53.7

55

22

TOTAL ROUTE MILEAGE

STOPS PER ROUTE

TROLLEYS PER ROUTE

LexconNEXT

PROPOSED_system

The proposed route below illustrates a two loop system. A North and South route that CONNECT at Cheapside Plaza, Downtown Lexington’s current epicenter. Note in the graphic to the right how the overall route lengths are more equitable and stops have been consolidated to key nodes. Hailing will be a thing of the past, as efficiency is effected each time the trolley stops.

2.5miles

6minutes

5 designated stopstwo trolleys6 minutes between trolleys (+ 25 seconds per stop) 3.7

miles

8.5minutes

5 designated stopstwo trolleys

8.5 minutes between trolleys(+ 25 seconds per stop)

RIDING TIME FOR PROPOSED ROUTESA VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF CONNECTIVITY IN LEXINGTONLexconNEXT

PROPOSED_system

In an effort to further analyze this system, students drove cars in an attempt to mimic a trolley on these routes. The routes were drive multiple times at different times of day and produced the results below. Note that route times are estimated to be below 10 minutes per trolley, versus the often well over 25 minutes that occurs today.

While it is understood that further analysis may be necessary to test this theory, it is at least a snap shot into the potential improvements.

DESIGN_impact

The overall system route is ONE part of the needed changes. The second part is better understanding the impact of a strong design concept to improve the overall legibility of the system and to amplify user interest. University of Kentucky Landscape Architecture students proposed a series of low impact, even temporary stop installations such as seen on this page.

Using a pattern language such as blue silhouettes or some other such concept can improve how users understand where to go. In addition these stops can offer additional information such as: cost (FREE), nearby attractions, routes, and trolley timing.

The Design team in partnership with ProgressLex and NoLi CDC has already raised funds to implement ONE prototype stop to illustrate potential impacts, but needs support from LexTran and appropriate City agencies to move forward.

DESIGN CONCEPTLEXCONEXT BLUE STOP # 3. E. MAXWELL @ MAXWELL ELEMENTARYA VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF CONNECTIVITY IN LEXINGTONA VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF CONNECTIVITY IN LEXINGTONLexconNEXT BLUE STOP # 3. E. MAXWELL @ MAXWELL ELEMENTARY

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF CONNECTIVITY IN LEXINGTON

PROPOSED STOPLexconNEXT BLUE STOP # 3. E. MAXWELL @ MAXWELL ELEMENTARY

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF CONNECTIVITY IN LEXINGTON

PROPOSED STOPLexconNEXT BLUE STOP # 4. E. EUCLID @ THE BEER TRAPPE

HOW_can you help?

Louisville Stop

It is generally agreed upon that a free trolley system is an asset for the city, it is also agreed upon that the current system is not functioning at a high level.

With the Breeders Cup impending, WHY NOT CHANGE IT NOW? The possible benefits to users and businesses are could be great, and the affect this could have on the THOUSANDS of tourists about to converge on Lexington and their image of our City could be even greater.

A team has already gathered who are ready to take this to the next level, we just need a push!

Help us Help Lexington.