Home >> TMA Exploration for Providence >> TMA Issues

In general, stakeholders seemed interested (some even enthusiastic) about the formation of a TMA. As is expected, there were some concerns and issues about the subject. These issues must be addressed to ensure success of the TMA.

"Where is money for the TMA going to come from?"

In general, the stakeholders are concerned about how to get funding for the TMA. Finance is a concern for many TMAs, especially when they first start out. A great number of TMAs begin using seed grants from the federal government or from their local agency. In Rhode Island, 90% of the CMAQ money has already been obligated, leaving $6.4 million officially unobligated [29]. Unofficially, however, this money has already been committed. Grant money could come from the state's Department of Transportation. Sources have stated that there may be "leftover" money that the TMA could use for startup. Irregardless, the TMA should seek out other sources for donations, such as nonprofit organizations and business merchants. Additionally, the TMA will need to get funding commitments from its members (ie. dues). This will ensure that the TMA will have the resources needed to continue its operations in the future.

"The TMA will duplicate or take over Express Travel's programs and services"

RIPTA is particularly hesitant about the formation of a TMA in Providence. However, it is quite common for the local ridesharing agency to have misgivings about TMAs. As in this case, the ridesharing agency may fear that the TMA will takeover or duplicate its services. As such, it is critical that the TMA understands that its role is to support Express Travel not to compete with it. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Express Travel and the TMA is highly recommended. The MOU serves as the foundation for a healthy and good relationship.

"The TMA will direct its efforts in providing more parking, not addressing the transportation problems"

Another concern of RIPTA is that the TMA will primarily serve parking interests. As the name suggests, a transportation management association exists to address transportation as a whole. Parking may be one aspect of the TMA, but it should not be the entire focus of the TMA. This, of course, is why the East Side TMA failed. As this study has shown, there is a broader transportation picture to the parking issue. Parking problems arise because of high vehicle travel. If the TMA fails to understand this, then it will likely fail in its attempts to address the parking problem.

"The TMA will be another liability organization, an organization that nobody wants to support and manage."

Establishing a formal dues structure will ensure that financial support will come from all TMA members. An executive director can also help bring in income through his/her fundraising efforts. Additionally, the executive director will ensure that no person will get "stuck" with TMA duties that he/she doesn't want. It will be the director's job to manage the TMA and ensure that the organization is moving towards its goals.

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