AUSTIN, Texas — The City of Austin is trying to improve how people get around with its Strategic Mobility Plan.
The 337-page document is filled with goals the city is hoping to reach by the time the population doubles 20 years from now.
"You know, it's about time we had a 20-, 30-, 40-year plan for transportation in the city," said Mayor Steve Adler.
Mayor Adler and the city council adopted the plan Thursday.
"So, this plan sets the vision for the next 20 years in Austin for all modes of transportation," said Liane Miller, with Austin Transportation. "Everything from new programs to education campaigns to infrastructure projects."
One of the main goals is getting the number of people commuting by themselves in cars down. Currently, it's at 74%. The city wants it at 50%.
And while it's not a specific step-by-step plan, it lays out long-term goals.
"So, any strategic plan is not a tactical plan," Mayor Adler said. "So, it doesn't have the really specific steps that you're doing but there some really important decisions and priorities that were made as part of your strategic plan."
But for both the mayor and the transportation department, it's about more than just cars: mobility involves where people live too.
"You talk about moving cars more rapidly, but you're talking about so much more than that where people live how people live how dense our corridors are," Mayor Adler said. "All contribute to mobility."
"So while we can continue to build infrastructure, one of the most cost-effective things we can do to manage congestion is to manage our demand," Miller said.
Their hope is these steps will help work to make it easier to move in this crowded city.
"My hope is this city will do what it takes to move forward," Mayor Adler said.
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