Palo Alto Intermodal Transit Station
Sophisticated simulation and visualization techniques guide approval of a complex multi-modal circulation plan.

The Palo Alto Intermodal Transit Station is the highest-use Caltrain commuter rail station outside of downtown San Francisco . The station serves almost 3,000 Caltrain passengers a day and is also an active bus transfer terminal, accommodating almost 700 daily buses from four different transit operators.

While immediately adjacent to both downtown Palo Alto and Stanford University , the station appeal and function are compromised by poor visual and physical connections to these major destinations. The station site is tightly confined and the connections consist of unaccommodating tunnels and major arterial crossings.

The redesign plan has sought to dramatically improve the pedestrian, bicycle and transit connections and amenities between the station and nearby downtown Palo Alto and Stanford University , without compromising traffic flow through the area to an extent that might cause traffic diversion into nearby residential areas.

The transportation elements of the redesign were developed through sophisticated analysis of access and circulation by pedestrians, bicycles, buses and taxis, as well as autos. The traffic circulation analysis used simulation and visualization tools to ensure that pedestrian and bike crossings and bus access/egress were fully accommodated, while traffic flows were smooth and spillbacks did not affect sensitive areas.

The planning process attracted considerable community involvement, with several community workshops and a multi-tier review committee structure.

Conclusion: Unanimous approval of the redesign concept by the Palo Alto City Council.

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