"We cannot wait for increased funding levels to be in place before establishing a vision for growth," explains the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority in its first-ever strategic plan, which it released in March. The document — bold in its vision and frank in its discussion — was just one indicator of a laudable shift toward a long-term approach to transportation development in Rhode Island. We commend RIPTA's efforts to take an in-depth look at transportation needs and how transportation infrastructure can create opportunities for economic growth, promote greater social inclusivity and improve quality of life in Rhode Island.
The Providence Journal reported that more than 100 Rhode Islanders joined a nation-wide rally Sept. 20 in support of public transportation, for which a one-third federal funding cut has been suggested. For RIPTA, which is 21 percent federally funded and facing a $4.6 million deficit this year, the impact of the proposed cuts would be severe. But even as RIPTA controversially approved service reductions to close its funding gap at the end of last month, it continued to push forward with strategies aimed at changing the future of transportation in Rhode Island.
Throughout the past year, RIPTA has conducted a "Core Connector Study" aimed at developing, refining and adopting a streetcar system as a "locally preferred alternative" in Providence. RIPTA encouraged dialogue and openness in its process, surveying the public, communicating updates online and presenting in open forums before finally proposing a streetcar system just over a week ago.
Despite the $126 million investment, the streetcar project is expected to require, we support RIPTA's proposed streetcar system — and not just because it would be particularly well-suited to transporting students from College Hill. A streetcar system might appear to be an inappropriate luxury given RIPTA's budget concerns, but future improvement requires current investment. One only needs look to the revitalization success in Portland, Ore., to see the potential of projects like this to promote growth. We mentioned the indispensability of transportation in our Sept. 22 editorial and maintain that transportation infrastructure is a critical priority for Rhode Island's development.
While we are excited about what streetcars could do for Providence, we are also keen to remember that the proposed streetcar system is just a small part of a major vision for improving transportation in Rhode Island. Assuring accessible transportation for people of all income levels, for example, is a pressing issue that requires continued commitment. A streetcar system alone is not enough.
We applaud RIPTA for documenting the impact of transportation services, reaching out to users to identify their needs and advocating for changes — streetcar included — to support a stronger Rhode Island. We also maintain that transportation can be a vehicle not only for growth, but also for promoting social justice. We look forward to a Rhode Island where a streetcar system breathes new life into downtown Providence and to a Rhode Island where no one is barred from educational or job opportunities because of inadequate transportation.
Editorials are written by The Herald's editorial page board. Send comments to editorials@browndailyherald.com.
