RESEARCH PARK CONNECT

UNIVERSITY OF UTAH RESEARCH PARK, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

Township + Range is working with the University of Utah and UDOT's TravelWise program to develop a Transportation Management Association at the University's Research Park. The project builds off a 2016 study of transportation demand in Research Park that administered an in-depth survey to over 2,000 park employees and gauged their transportation habits. Now, Township + Range is collaborating with the University and other partners to follow up that effort with transportation demand management solutions for Research Park. Transportation demand management (TDM) is making more efficient use of the transportation system. Common TDM programs include ridesharing (carpools and vanpools); transit pass subsidies; parking management; and promotion of alternatives to driving alone. TDM allows for a flexible range of options to meet the diverse needs of Research Park employers and their employees; the team is exploring programs and strategies that make the most sense for Research Park to increase vehicle occupancy, increase transportation choices, and reduce roadway congestion.

As part of this effort, Township + Range has worked with the Research Park community to establish Research Park Connect, a Transportation Management Association (TMA). As a TMA, Research Park Connect is a public-private coalition that provides information, services and incentives for a sustainable transportation network, advocates for common transportation interests and brings the community together. Research Park Connect has built a “pop-up” community mobility hub and gathering space called the Heart of the Park, a pilot circulator shuttle called the Lunch Line, and developed a website at researchparkconnect.org.