Enhance Connectivity & Mobility
Enhancing connectivity and mobility in the Rockford region is essential to creating a thriving urban-rural ecosystem, which improves visitor experiences and diversifies spending. Developing comprehensive plans for transit hubs like airports and train stations will ensure a seamless journey for visitors, positioning Rockford as a central hub for regional exploration. Increasing passenger air service at Chicago Rockford International Airport will bring immediate benefits to local businesses, while expanding trail connectivity to parks, neighborhoods, and attractions will further establish central Rockford as a key destination for visitors.
Sustainable transportation initiatives, such as a regional e-bike rental system and the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, will promote accessible and eco-friendly travel. Supporting Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) around future train stations in Rockford and Belvidere, along with strategic promotional campaigns, will encourage visitation and stimulate the local economy. Enhancing wayfinding, walkability, and accessibility will ensure that all visitors, regardless of ability, can easily navigate the region. These strategic investments in mobility will enhance the visitor experience, making Rockford a more welcoming, interconnected, and accessible destination.
Initiatives
Regional Integration & Transportation
a. Create a positive sense of destination arrival by implementing comprehensive amenity and service plans for transit hubs (e.g., airport, train and bus terminals), inclusive of recommendations outlined in the R1 mobility hub study.
b. Encourage and support the expansion of passenger air service options at Chicago Rockford International Airport.
c. Seek opportunities to leverage the uniqueness of Poplar Grove Airport in attracting aviators from greater Chicago and southern Wisconsin.
d. Expand and enhance trail connectivity to parks, neighborhoods, attractions and communities north to Wisconsin, west to Galena and points east – in alignment with R1’s Greenways Plan – to establish Rockford and Belvidere as a hub-spoke for visitors.
e. Pursue development of a region wide e-bike rental system.
f. Encourage installation of electric vehicle charging stations at hotels, attractions, venues and downtown areas in concert with the recommendations of the R1 Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan for Northern Illinois.
Intercity Passenger Rail Service
a. Encourage development and support Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) around future Rockford and Belvidere train stations, including visitor services, workforce housing, visitor accommodations, retail and restaurants.
b. Develop packaging and campaigns encouraging visitation to Rockford and Belvidere from Chicago and other destinations.
c. Ensure experiential transportation options from train stations to key points of interest (e.g., Hard Rock Casino, riverfront sites and Anderson Japanese Gardens).
d. Promote and support Metra-operated passenger rail service between Chicago and Rockford for use by inbound visitors.
Wayfinding, Walkability & Accessibility
a. Encourage development and support Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) around future Rockford and Belvidere train stations, including visitor services, workforce housing, visitor accommodations, retail and restaurants.
b. Develop packaging and campaigns encouraging visitation to Rockford and Belvidere from Chicago and other destinations.
c. Ensure experiential transportation options from train stations to key points of interest (e.g., Hard Rock Casino, riverfront sites and Anderson Japanese Gardens).
d. Promote and support Metra-operated passenger rail service between Chicago and Rockford for use by inbound visitors.
