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Introduction:
The vast majority of
Americans today rely on the automobile as their primary mode of personal
travel. Americans use their cars to get to work, to get to school, to
run their errands, and to go on vacation. The automobile has become somewhat
of an American icon, symbolizing opportunity, freedom, and even wealth.
However, the convenience and independence afforded by the automobile comes
at a cost.
Like many major US cities today, Providence struggles with the problems brought on by automobiles: traffic congestion, air pollution, urban sprawl, and a city landscape overtaken by roads and parking lots. These problems not only impact the public community, but also the business community. From the private sector perspective, transportation problems cause a decline in business activity, hamper efforts to recruit/retain employees, and limit future economic development.
Unfortunately in some areas, the public sector is unable (or unwilling) to implement effective solutions. So how has the private sector in these areas dealt with transportation problems? Many have formed transportation management associations (TMAs). TMAs are nonprofit organizations formed by partnerships between the private and public sector to collectively address transportation issues. A number of these TMAs have been very successful in implementing trasportation demand management (TDM) programs and in advocating for local transportation policies.
This study explores the current transportation problems facing Providence and examines the feasibility and potential effectiveness of forming a TMA to address these problems.
Methodology: The methodology employed in this study was based, in part, on suggestions provided in the Association for Commuter Transportation 2003 TMA Handbook. This study was conducted in the following steps:
Background: Quantitative data were gathered on Providence's current development and transportation conditions.
Problem Assessment: Interviews with key stakeholders were conducted to gather qualitative information on the transportation problems and their impacts to the private sector.
Stakeholder Process: More stakeholder discussions were held to identify common problems/goals and to explore solution options, including formation of a TMA.
TMA Research: Interviews with TMA professionals were conducted to gather insight on the development and functions of TMAs.
TMA Exploration for Providence: The information gathered was used to determine the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a TMA in Providence. A model TMA framework and workplan was also developed to guide the formation of a TMA in Providence.
Results: Providence's transportation problems stem from the large percentage of people who commute by single occupancy vehicle (SOV). Two of the biggest problem concerns for stakeholders are: parking shortage and traffic congestion. While stakeholders have historically dealt with transportation problems individually, there is a growing consensus that they may be better addressed collectively, perhaps in a TMA. There is indeed potential for and interest in forming a TMA in Providence. However, there are reservations among some of the stakeholders as to how the TMA would function. The following are recommendations to guide stakeholders in the formation of a TMA in Providence:
- Reservations and conflicts of interests issues should be addressed during the initial phase of TMA development
- The focus of the TMA should be on reducing driving not increasing parking
- The TMA need not be service-oriented, but could also be outreach-oriented
- The stakeholders should come to an agreement as to TMA's mission statement and goals
- Stakeholders should determine how the TMA is to be funded initially and establish a framework for funding after startup grants run out
- A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) should be drafted between the TMA and Express Travel that clearly defines the TMA's role
- A workplan outlining the TMA's activities should be developed after initial agreements
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