Transportation 2035 - State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | employment, freight, downtown, and tourismSTRATEGIES ED.3.aED.3.bED.3.cED.3.dED.3.eED.3.fED.3.gED.3.hED.3.iED.3.jED.3.kED.3.lDevelop transportation strategies to implement welfare-to-work goals, as a cooperative effort among the Department of HumanServices, the Department of Labor and Training, RIEDC, RIPTA, RIDOT, and the Statewide Planning Program. Utilize existingresources where feasible.Encourage dialogue with private businesses to design innovative transportation strategies that will help low-income residents andindividuals who do not own cars access employment, particularly jobs in suburban areas.Determine the needed transit, ridesharing, and bicycle/pedestrian facilities and services for the increased number of commuters.Provide these facilities and services, so as to maximize the efficiency of the transportation system.Continue transportation initiatives that enable low income workers and job seekers to access job opportunities and achieve economicindependence.Expand the Access to Jobs/Reverse Commute Program to include additional municipalities and welfare populations. Increasedfunding and program expansion will help ensure that additional unemployed populations experiencing transportation difficulties benefitfrom access to the program.Investigate HUD’s “Bridges to Work” model to involve employers in provision of transportation for low-income employees.Incorporate additional state agencies as partners in addressing transportation inequities in job access. The Department of Labor andTraining and the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation should be included in discussions with transportation agencies.Provide incentives for employers to offer transportation to low-income employees lacking reliable transportation options. An incentivebasedprogram for suburban employers who offer transportation for low-income urban residents could increase the likelihood thaturban residents can access and maintain well-paying jobs.Consider options for car-sharing programs or car purchase assistance for low-income populations [North Carolina, Tennessee, andNew Jersey have experimented with programs to help low-income families purchase vehicles].Continue to evaluate a full interchange at Route 4 / Interstate 95, and complete the Relocated Route 403 to support the fulldevelopment of Quonset Davisville. Construct a new interchange subject to successful outcome of environmental and TIP processes.Work with RIDOT, AMTRAK and P&W Railroad to establish reasonable access fees and freight charges on the AMTRAK main line,especially on sections of track added through the FRIP. Support bridge clearance programs in other states that open up new marketsfor freight rail.Complete development of the Warwick Intermodal Rail Station, plan for rail shuttle service to provide a direct rail connection fromProvidence to T.F. Green State Airport, and support revitalization of the adjacent Warwick Station District.Transportation 2035 (2012 Update)State Guide Plan Element 611RI Statewide Planning ProgramPage 5-13December 2012BICYCLEDESIGNECONOMICDEVELOPMENTEMERGENCYRESPONSEENVIRONMENTEQUITYFINANCEHIGHWAYINTERMODALLAND USE ANDCORRIDORSPEDESTRIANPLANNINGSAFETYTRANSIT