Transport

Click to see the solutions PlanCayman will implement to carry out our goals

Complete

Develop an Island-wide Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP)

Address the Island’s multi-modal transportation needs for both the short and long term.

Action Points:
  • Draft an Island-wide multi-modal Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) that identifies Island-wide transportation goals.
  • The CTP should document all major transportation related projects in one policy, coordinating all modes of transportation, scheduling, budgeting, and resources (staffing for design and construction, materials, and equipment).
  • The CTP should address all modes of transportation (Pedestrian, bicycle, vehicles, public transportation, boats, and air travel).
  • The CTP should encourage the usage of electric and hybrid vehicles.

Identify priority levels for implementation of specific projects identified in the CTP.

Action Points:
  • As a final step of the CTP, earmark action items in priority levels of implementation.
  • Top priority action items shall be those that can be funded and started within 5 years of the Plan (5 year Transportation Improvement Plan) being adopted.
Complete

Address the high-priority needs identified in the CTP

Ensure that locally focused transportation needs for both the short and long term are adequately planned for.

Action Points:
  • Establish multi-modal transportation plans for appropriate focus areas while ensuring these plans are consistent with the goals of the Long-Range Transportation plan and are compatible with nearby area plans.
  • Identify high-need regions that require a detailed and site-specific transportation plan. Two examples are Downtown George Town and the Airport/Industrial Park area.
  • George Town and the Airport/Industrial Park plans should be the pilot projects for these focused transportation plans.

Ensure the necessary resources are available to implement the high-priority issues of the CTP.

Action Points:
  • Create a short to medium term (3-5 years) Transportation Improvement Programme (TIP) to implement the top priorities of the CTP.
  • Using the CTP and the priority list identified in the plan, identify those projects that are to be funded and started within the next five years. This will be identified as the Transportation Improvement Programme (TIP).
  • This plan shall be updated annually, adding an additional year each time, keeping the 5 year programme in place.
  • The TIP is to be included as a section of the Island’s Capital Improvement Programme (Element 7.2).

Complete

Re-evaluate the role of the immediate area’s road network during the planning of major capital improvement projects.

Ensure that the former main corridors, such as West Bay Road, are being used at an appropriate scale upon the completion of new highways, such as the Esterley Tibbetts Highway.

Action Points:
  • Assess the functionality and design of West Bay Road now that the Esterley-Tibbetts Highway is complete.
  • Examine the feasibility of creating a pedestrian and transit focus for West Bay Road.
  • Assess the functionality and design of Shamrock/Bodden Town roads upon completion of all phases of the East-West Bypass.
  • Develop a plan for the future use of Shamrock/Bodden Town Roads
Complete

Develop Corridor Plans for those areas on the Island that have unique physical characteristics on and along a specific roadway or roadways.

Plan and coordinate the transportation, adjacent land use, aesthetic, and design element for select transportation corridors.

Action Points:
  • Identify and map corridors with unique land uses, characteristics, amenities, or themes. Examples may include Seven Mile Beach, Downtown waterfront roads, South Sound Road, Frank Sound Road, Eastern Ave., etc.
  • Identify corridors that have unique characteristics that could warrant the preparation of a Corridor Plan.
  • Establish a ranking system to prioritize corridor plans.
  • Select the highest priority corridor to conduct a pilot corridor project.
  • Develop corridor-level standards that address themes, signage, lighting, landscaping, branding, transportation amenities, and other items specific for these corridors through the creation of individual corridor master plans, developed with input from property owners, businesses, and other stakeholders.
  • Plans are to address both transportation and land-use planning issues (with reference to the ’Planning Areas’ identified in Section 5) and the relationship between the two.
  • In order to represent the views of area landowners plans must be developed with significant input from property owners and key stakeholder/user groups from the immediate area of the corridor.
  • Plans are to include an implementation plan.

Complete

Ensure functionality and consistency in the design of the Island’s road network.

Evaluate the street hierarchy classification system to ensure compatibility of future road needs and help define priorities for road improvements on both existing and future roads

Action Points:
  • Review and update the street hierarchy classification identified in the Roads Law (2005 revision) with clear definitions of amenities, rights-of-way needs, and access standards.
  • Determine minimum standards and amenities for the identified classes, including Right of Way (R.O.W.), intersection standards, alternative mode facilities (bus lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks, crossings etc.), and the interaction between these alternative modes and automobiles.
  • All roadways design standards shall include the typical location and criterion for underground utilities, including electric, telecommunication, sewer, and water.
  • Use these road standards to help determine the r.o.w. for future planned projects in the CTP, identifying each new or improved roadway with one of the new classifications.
  • Identify roads that do not meet these updated standards and the allowable variations and include improvements to these roads in the CTP.
  • Ensure that the road types are correctly related to the existing and planned zones.
  • Evaluate the street hierarchy system in relation to development standards and regulations and laws and ensure compatibility and lack of conflicts.
  • During the review of and prior to the adoption of the updated street hierarchy classification system, coordinate with appropriate agencies to ensure the compatibility of the system with the Island’s development requirements.

Complete

Ensure that all roads, private and public, are maintained to safe operating standards with seamless connectivity.

Coordinate the relationship of the existing and planned road network, including both private and public roadways.

Action Points:
  • Encourage seamless connectivity between both public and private road networks.
  • Review and revise subdivision standards for roadways.
  • Explore the feasibility of the incorporation of private roads into the public road network, especially those which contribute to a greater level of road network connectivity by the NRA, where necessary.
  • Explore mechanisms to ensure private roads are maintained to a national standard, including securing funding sources for this maintenance.

Improve the efficiency of the street network, particularly in highly congested locations.

Action Points:
  • Develop trip reduction programmes for school traffic, especially along Walker’s Road.
  • Develop a plan to reduce the cruise pedestrian crossing impacts on Harbour Drive.

Complete

Improve the Island’s parking standards

Revise parking requirements that appropriately address the Island’s diverse land uses and unique traffic characteristics and demands

Action Points:
  • Update parking requirements to address alternative parking facilities and methods, including Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.
  • Develop parking standards for shared parking facilities in nearby uses which have different peak parking hours to reduce the area of land dedicated to parking structures whilst maintaining sufficient parking facilities.
  • Review and revise the parking regulations and the land uses contained within, creating a more comprehensive list of land uses and associated parking standards.

Allow a variety of parking design standards that would maximise parking lot efficiency and safety, and are complementary to the associated land use.

Action Points:
  • Develop parking design and circulation standards.
  • Address limited/shared access points on to main roadways, parking layout options, drainage and landscape requirements, pedestrian access standards, building accessibility/service, and on-street parking.
  • Incorporate access management standards into relevant development control standards to ensure consistent application.
Complete

Ensure adequate facilities for alternative transportation modes to encourage the use of such modes.

Ensure developments provide adequate facilities for non-car users.

Action Points:
  • Update development requirements to provide adequate facilities for alternative transportation modes.
  • Develop requirements for designated parking areas for motorcycles/scooters and bicycles.  Requirement spaces will be determined by land uses, design, access, and location
Complete

Allow for the enforcement of a safe and effective parking programme

Ensure that effective measures are implemented for the proper management of the parking programme.

Action Points:
  • Review and revise, if necessary, parking enforcement laws.
Complete

Address the parking needs and alternatives in downtown George Town.

Alleviate the parking shortage in downtown to ensure that the Central Business District is accessible and continues to attract future development and re-development.

Action Points:

Develop a parking master plan for downtown George Town that  addresses:

  • The feasibility of developing centrally located parking garages, metered on-street parking, park and ride facilities, and other related urban parking solutions;
  • Incentive programmes to reduce the total commuter vehicle trips into downtown;
  • A signage programme to direct downtown visitors to the outlying parking areas that are typically not full;
  • A comprehensive pedestrian network in the downtown to allow for off-site parking facilities;
  • The provision of adequate public transportation facilities within and to the downtown area for both visitors and residents.

Complete

Improve the level of service of the public transportation system

Make improvements to the public transportation system that will make it an attractive alternative to the use of personal vehicles.

Action Points:
  • Establish policies and guidelines that will lead to the expansion of public transportation.
  • Explore alternative methods such as tram, trolley, or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service from residential and employment hubs.
  • Incorporate public transportation options as a core component of tourism plans, creating an efficient way to move visitors around the Island while limiting the impact on the daily life of residents.
  • Identify and develop public transportation stops, including providing shelters and bus pull-outs at key locations.
  • Conduct a demand survey of current and potential riders to determine where service is most needed.
  • Revise routes to adequately service the high-demand locations.
  • Establish minimum standards for time between buses along major routes.
  • Extend bus hours to evening hours, helping to reduce drink driving. Work with the bar/restaurant industry to establish a subsidy programme for this service.
  • Develop design standards for shelters, accessibility, pull-outs and transit centres.

Ensure public transportation service for seniors and disabled people.

Action Points:
  • Assess the feasibility of a public transportation system catering to the needs of seniors and disabled people.
  • Determine major origins and destinations for seniors and disabled people, such as medical care facilities.
  • Establish defined routes for these key locations.
  • Determine the feasibility of a subsidised transit system for services such as Dial-a-Ride.
Complete

Encourage increased public transportation usage in conjunction with an expanded and improved network.

Develop policies and incentive programmes to increase ridership.

Action Points:
  • Study policy alternatives that, in conjunction with a greatly expanded public transportation network, would reduce the Island’s reliance on the personal automobile.
  • Develop and adopt increased bussing options for schools to reduce peak hour traffic.
  • Develop alternative transportation education programs to be marketed to commuters, tourists, and students.
  • Ensure that all major employment centres, residential neighbourhoods, and tourist attractions are adequately served by public transportation.
Complete

Encourage expanded use of public transportation by tourists.

Develop policies and marketing programmes to expand public transportation ridership by tourists.

Action Points:
  • Expand public transportation network to target tourist usage.
  • Include a marketing and information programme in this expansion.
  • Focus on airport, cruise port, and hotel service.
Complete

Develop a long-term Public Transportation plan that effectively serves the residents and visitors of the Island.

Improve the Public Transportation system to be efficient and meet the community’s long-term needs.

Action Points:
  • Determine the most efficient and responsive management for the Island’s Public Transportation System.
  • Conduct a cost-benefit study to look at alternatives, including status-quo, Government ownership and management, the establishment of a quasi-public transportation authority, or the development of a private-public partnership.
  • Develop a long range public transportation improvement plan as part of the Comprehensive Transportation Plan that
    • Evaluates the feasibility of different public transportation options including mode(s)/vehicle types, management and administration, routes, schedules and fares;
    • Helps reduce single occupancy vehicle trips by providing a convenient, reliable, accessible and comfortable alternative;
    • Ensures areas with high demand for trip origins and destinations are adequately serviced by public transportation;
    • Ensures proper planning for public transportation facilities such as transfer stations, shelters, and travel lanes dedicated to transit vehicles

Complete

Ensure adequate and safe facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

Incorporate bike and pedestrian facilities into existing and planned roadway corridors.

Action Points:
  • Add bike and pedestrian facilities to existing major roadways where feasible, such as on existing roads which have an adequate right-of-way width.
  • Develop a maintenance plan for bike lanes and sidewalks that includes removal of rocks and debris, trimming of landscaping, and filling of potholes.
  • Install pedestrian crossing improvements for high-pedestrian traffic areas, such as downtown and along the Seven-Mile-Beach corridor, and at key points along highways and major roads.
  • Map the location of existing sidewalks and identify a plan to increase connectivity, focusing on key tourist and other high-pedestrian usage areas (i.e. South Sound Road), as well as locations where there are only minor gaps in an otherwise continuous bike path or sidewalk.

Address the need for long range bicycle and pedestrian policy planning to encourage alternative transportation to cars.

Action Points:
  • Implement policies that encourage bicycle and pedestrian travel.
  • Create a master bike and pedestrian plan that includes elements such as design standards, identification of locations for facility improvements, funding sources, and priority/implementation schedule.
  • Develop a mechanism which secures funding to complete high-priority sidewalk projects for immediate short-term
  • Create bicycle parking requirements for all multi-family residential and non-residential developments and encourage   installation of employee shower and changing room facilities for large employment centres.

Complete

Provide an alternative to car commuting through the use of sea-based options.

Explore long-range planning opportunities for seaside commuter service.

Action Points:
  • Examine the feasibility of establishing water taxi commuter service to alleviate rush-hour vehicle trips on the roadways.
  • Evaluate the feasibility of a water taxi service combined with park-and-ride facilities from areas such as West Bay public beaches, Bodden Town dock, North Side/Rum Point, George Town, Airport / GT Barcadere, Camana Bay and Safehaven.
Complete

Ensure adequate facilities and services for moving all recreational passengers to and from shore.

Provide for the safe and efficient movement of passengers to and from shore.

Action Points:
  • Determine if the service level and shore side facilities of cruise ship tenders are adequate and make short-term improvements, if applicable.

Complete

Ensure safe and sustainable standards of marine facilities.

Minimise the environmental impact of all marine facilities and operations on aquatic flora and fauna.

Action Points:
  • Review, revise, and draft regulations addressing standards for docks and jetties, marinas, and other marine accessory facilities.
  • Adopt standards for marina fuel storage and dispensing, pump-out stations, and live-aboards.
  • Establish policy and procedures to smoothly coordinate the review of permitting of all marine development projects.
Complete

Address the long-term needs for sea port facilities on the Island

Prepare for the long-term needs for port facilities of the Island.

Action Points:
  • Develop a master plan to determine the location, amenities, construction, and maintenance of all existing and future sea port facilities, including public boat launches and docks.
  • In order to address the long-term aggregate shortfall on Grand Cayman, the Port Facilities plan should address the feasibility of siting a future aggregate importation docking facility.
  • Through the CTP, address the need for adequate transportation routes/modes for the movement of people and goods from port facilities in an efficient manner.

Complete

Plan for long-range needs and alternatives for all types of airport facilities on the Island.

Prepare for the medium- and long-term future of Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA).

Action Points:
  • Continue the planning and development of improvements in and around the current airport facilities.
  • This plan should be done in conjunction with the Airport/Industrial Park Transportation Plan.
  • Continue the development and implementation of a long-range airport facility plan.
  • This plan should include an analysis of the long-range role of the existing airport and, if necessary the need for a new airport site, land acquisition, and the land-use planning of properties near a potential facility.
  • Examine the need and feasibility of the development of an additional airport facility, possibly for executive and private aircraft.
  • Ensure that developments in the area surrounding the airport lands, and those within the approach zone do not impose a detrimental impact on the airport operations.
  • Inter-agency planning partnerships should be established to ensure compatibility with all related plans and programmes.