Key West Transit Development Plan FY2025-2034

2.6 Transportation and Development

2.6.5 Macro-economic Indicators Macroeconomic indicators for transit refer to the key economic metrics and factors that influence and are influenced by the performance of public transportation systems and services within a particular region. These indicators help gauge the health and impact of transit systems on the broader economy. Revenue and Farebox Recovery Ratio: Revenue generated from transit fares and the farebox recovery ratio (the proportion of operational costs covered by fares) are important indicators of a transit system’s financial sustainability. Higher recovery ratios indicate a more financially efficient system. Employment and Labor Market Impact: Public transportation systems create jobs directly (e.g., drivers, maintenance staff) and indirectly through their supply chains. These systems can boost employment in urban areas. Economic Productivity and Accessibility: Efficient transit systems can improve economic productivity by increasing accessibility to jobs, education, healthcare, and other essential services. Better accessibility can lead to greater economic opportunities for residents. Property Values: Proximity to transit hubs and routes often correlates with increased property values. Rising property values can stimulate local economies and generate additional tax revenue for municipalities. Congestion Mitigation: Transit systems help reduce traffic congestion, which can have a significant economic impact by reducing time and fuel costs for commuters and businesses engaged in logistics. Infrastructure Investment: The construction and maintenance of transit infrastructure contribute to economic activity and job creation in construction and engineering sectors. The City of Key West continues to implement capital improvement projects to improve transportation in the city.

Economic Resilience: In times of economic downturns or disruptions, a well-functioning transit system can offer residents affordable transportation options and help sustain economic activity by maintaining access to jobs and services. 2.6.6 Traffic Congestion Traffic congestion in Key West is influenced by tourism, geography, and infrastructure limitations. Primary elements of traffic congestion in Key West include: Geographic Constraints: Key West is an island city with limited land area, and development is constrained by the surrounding Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The city is also at risk of flooding due to sea-level rise, which restricts opportunities for road expansion and development. Tourism-Driven Traffic: The city’s tourism industry is a major contributor to traffic congestion. During peak tourist seasons, traffic can become particularly congested in and around major attractions, such as Duval Street and Mallory Square. Limited Road Network: Key West’s roadway network is limited in size and capacity, with only one primary road, U.S. Route 1, connecting it to the mainland with narrow lanes and bridges, creating bottlenecks during peak travel times. Concentration of Attractions: Many of Key West’s major attractions, businesses, and restaurants are concentrated in the historic district and waterfront areas. This concentration intensifies traffic in these areas. Infrastructure Limitations: The historic nature of the city and concerns for preservation make road expansion and improvements challenging. Infrastructure upgrades must consider historical and environmental factors.

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Transit Development Plan FY 2025–2034