Partnerships and Connecting Communities Through Responsive Transit Routing

Course Details

As communities grow, planners strive to foster connectivity and enhance quality of life by providing access to resources, amenities, jobs, and other essential services. Transportation planning requires consideration of desired origins and destinations, commute times, and accessibility of stops, in addition to public education that encourages confidence to ride.

This presentation outlines important steps to foster relationships in your communities that clarify needs and opportunities for improved service. Examples include a suburban Minnesota transit agency's partnerships that resulted in positive outcomes. The agency was able to work collaboratively with school district personnel, chamber staff, and the city to allow students to reach internships that will develop skills and education that promote their future growth and success. The project also provides transit options for individuals earning 200 percent below the average median income to seek workforce training opportunities. This inspiring, informative presentation offers a passionate and practical guide for relationship-building and its role in community-minded transit planning.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify strategies to develop meaningful partnerships in served communities that can better inform planning.
• Understand how to ask relevant questions and obtain details about gaps in service that may require additional partners or connections.
• Implement service changes that better meet community needs, improve accessibility, and promote equity while being mindful of changing demands and community makeup that require continuous monitoring, responsiveness, and adjustment.