REGION 2020: MASS TRANSIT
WHAT
• To develop a region with an affordable, accessible, safe, and efficient
public transportation network that includes dedicated highway lanes, light
rail, buses,
and bike lanes and that is attractive, environmentally friendly, and reliable.
WHY
• To create an efficient public transit system that connects the twelve counties
of the region.
• To provide better access to employment, medical facilities, entertainment,
shopping, etc.
• To promote and enhance pedestrian activities.
• To reduce congestion.
• To improve air quality.
• To increase economic development opportunities.
WHO SHOULD BE INVOLVED
• Citizens in the region, particularly commuters
• Birmingham Area Regional Transit Authority (BARTA)
• Blue Ribbon Committee on Mass Transit
• County, city and state governments
• Regional Roundtable of Elected Officials
• Regional planning commissions
• Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs)
• The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT)
• Alabama Arise
• Voices for Alabama's Children
• Chamber of commerce
• The Alabama Business Council
• The league of Women Voters
• Greater Birmingham Ministries
• Metropolitan Area Express (MAX)
• Rural Transit Systems
• Birmingham Regional Paratransit Consortium
WHO WILL BENEFIT
• Citizens throughout the region, particularly those who do not drive or have
any transportation
• Employers who would benefit from the employment pool of non-drivers
• Businesses
HOW
Strategy
Develop a regional mass transit plan that extends to all counties in
the region.
Related strategies: Transportation
Infrastructure and Facilities;
Arts and Culture, Health
and Wellness, and Clean Air and Water.
Action Steps
Region 2020 will organize a regional Mass Transit Implementation Team
representative of the twelve county region.
The Mass Transit Implementation Team will:
1. Establish an organizational structure for a regional mass transit
plan.
2. Initiate efforts at the state and local levels for the allocation
of funds for public transportation.
3. Educate the public on the importance, value and benefits of
mass transportation.
Role of Region 2020
• To organize a regional Mass Transit
Implementation Team.
• To
encourage the support and involvement of the Regional Roundtable
of Elected
Officials.
• To support efforts at the state and local levels for allocation
of funds for public transportation.
Cost
None
