The Coalition’s 2011 Achievements

Influenced Transportation Decisions. The CTC worked with legislative champions to introduce “The Transportation Investment and Debt Reduction Act of 2011.” The Coalition had dozens of meetings with senior staff at state agencies, and with key legislators, including most members of the Senate and House Finance Committees, to discuss the bill and we made the case that more, viable transportation choices would improve public health and help build a stronger economy in Rhode Island. The CTC testified at legislative hearings in support of the Trust Fund bill that was at the core of the legislation. The revenue components (an increase in auto registration fees) of the bill were incorporated into the budget, which passed at the end of the session.

In Washington, D.C., the CTC, through work with Rhode Island's Congressional delegation and national organizations, continued to influence federal transportation reauthorization to protect and enhance investments for public transit.

Complete Streets Teams. “Complete Streets” are roads that welcome walking, biking and public transportation, as well as cars. The CTC worked to pass Complete Streets ordinances in key communities (Newport, Middletown, Pawtucket, Providence, Portsmouth, South Kingstown, Woonsocket) and has supported Complete Streets legislation, locally and statewide. Another eight municipalities are currently considering resolutions. The Coalition initiated Complete Streets outreach meetings with state agency directors, and in site assessment process with residents and officials for major repaving project in dense residential area of Providence.

Safe Routes to School/Walk to School Day. The CTC met with interested schools during September to organize Walk to School events. Despite the rainy weather, 28 schools participated in International Walk to School Day on October 6, with students, parents and teachers joining to walk and bike to their schools. The CTC continues to work with partners at the Department of Administration, Department of Transportation and local schools on Safe Routes to School projects, advocating for coordination and individual progress. Planning is now underway for the 2012 Walk to School Day.

Advocating Through Communication and Outreach. The CTC’s communications strategy is anchored by weekly e-blasts that are sent to over 900 stakeholders, to publicize CTC events and legislative agenda, and describe the wide implications of Rhode Island’s unsustainable transportation choices. These included “Rider Profiles” and firsthand stories about the positive experience of riding the bus in Rhode Island by the people who do it every day. The CTC was relied upon as a “go-to” source of information, comment and advocacy by state and local media outlets. It also provided opinion pieces for the media to explain issues and help raise public awareness of the challenges being faced.

A Growing Coalition. The CTC has grown from an initial group of 17 to the current partnership of 50 organizations. Groups that join the CTC are asked to sign on to CTC’s vision, principles and governance structure. The Coalition has met and made presentations to groups throughout Rhode Island, describing the CTC agenda and exploring shared priorities. These meetings foster dialogue, which has resulted in several new groups joining the Coalition. Members continue to attend conferences, research, and share materials on transportation policies with others in the Coalition.