After service cuts, RIPTA launches rewards-based sustainable transportation challenge – The Brown Daily Herald

Report on Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) Initiatives and Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

This report analyzes recent initiatives by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The “Drive Less RI Challenge” promotes sustainable transportation, directly aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). However, concurrent service reductions on numerous routes due to budgetary deficits present a significant challenge to these same goals, particularly impacting SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by limiting access for economically vulnerable populations.

The “Drive Less RI Challenge”: Advancing Sustainability

Initiative Overview

RIPTA has launched a yearlong program, the “Drive Less RI Challenge,” to incentivize a reduction in single-occupancy vehicle trips. The key components of this initiative include:

• An application-based platform for users to log “green trips.”
• Accepted modes of transport include public transit, carpooling, walking, and biking.
• Participants can earn rewards and enter prize giveaways as an incentive.
• The application provides users with data on their individual emissions reduction.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The challenge directly supports the achievement of several key SDGs:

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The initiative directly addresses Target 11.2, which calls for providing access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all. By encouraging a shift away from private cars, it promotes a more sustainable urban mobility framework.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action: By aiming to reduce vehicle emissions, the program contributes to climate change mitigation efforts, in line with Target 13.2, which focuses on integrating climate change measures into national policies and planning.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The promotion of active transport methods such as walking and biking supports public health by encouraging physical activity and reducing air pollution from vehicle exhaust.

Challenges to Sustainable Transport: Service Reductions and Community Impact

Operational Constraints and Service Impacts

Despite positive initiatives, RIPTA’s progress towards sustainability goals is hampered by significant operational challenges. Recent service cuts, affecting over 40 routes, were implemented to address a $32.6 million operational deficit. The consequences of these reductions include:

• Increased overcrowding on remaining active bus routes.
• Reports of full buses being unable to stop for waiting passengers.
• Extended wait times, with some passengers waiting nearly an hour for the next available bus.
• A reported shift back to personal vehicle use for those who have the option.

Contradictions with SDG Commitments

These service reductions create a direct conflict with the objectives of the SDGs:

1. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Public transportation advocacy groups note that service frequency is the single most important factor in increasing ridership. The cuts diminish the reliability and accessibility of the transit system, working against the core tenets of Target 11.2.
2. SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): The negative impacts of service cuts are disproportionately felt by individuals who rely on public transit for economic reasons and cannot afford alternative transportation. This exacerbates inequality and undermines Target 10.2, which aims to empower and promote the social and economic inclusion of all.
3. SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): An unreliable public transport system creates barriers for individuals commuting to and from work, potentially hindering access to employment and economic opportunities.

Conclusion: A Duality in Strategy

RIPTA is currently pursuing a dual strategy. On one hand, it employs innovative programs like the “Drive Less RI Challenge” to encourage sustainable behavior, aligning with global sustainability targets. On the other, severe budget-driven service cuts undermine the very foundation of a reliable and accessible public transport network. For Rhode Island to make meaningful progress on SDGs 10, 11, and 13, a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes consistent and frequent service as the core of its public transit system is essential. Supporting initiatives like the “Bus Buddy program” can help address social stigmas, but they cannot compensate for a lack of fundamental service reliability.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  This goal is central to the article, which focuses on public transportation (RIPTA) within a city/state context. The “Drive Less RI Challenge” directly promotes sustainable transport options like public transit, carpooling, walking, and biking to make the community more sustainable. The discussion around service cuts, overcrowding, and accessibility of the bus system for all residents, especially those who cannot afford alternatives, directly relates to creating inclusive and sustainable urban environments.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The article explicitly connects the transportation initiative to environmental benefits. The “Drive Less RI Challenge” encourages modes of transport that reduce emissions. The app allows users to see how their choices have “reduced emissions and contributed to sustainability efforts.” This directly aligns with taking action to combat climate change by reducing the carbon footprint from personal transportation.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.

   The entire article revolves around this target. The “Drive Less RI Challenge” and the “Bus Buddy program” are initiatives designed to increase the use of and confidence in public transit. Conversely, the issues of service cuts on over 40 routes, subsequent overcrowding, and long wait times highlight the challenges in providing accessible and reliable transport. The article notes that for some, RIPTA is the only affordable option, emphasizing the need for an accessible system for all, including vulnerable populations.

2. Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.

   This target is addressed through the initiative’s primary goal to “promote the use of sustainable transportation and reduce solo driving trips.” By encouraging alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles, the program aims to lower the city’s overall environmental impact, specifically by reducing vehicle emissions, which is a key aspect of urban air quality and environmental health.

3. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

   While the initiative is local, it represents the integration of climate change measures into regional transportation planning. The “Drive Less RI Challenge” is a specific strategy implemented by a public authority (RIPTA) to address climate concerns by influencing public behavior towards more sustainable transportation. The article mentions that some riders are motivated by “environmental concerns” and “sustainability reasons,” showing that this strategy resonates with climate-conscious citizens.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• RIPTA Ridership Numbers

  The article explicitly states that the initiative is a “creative and innovative way to increase RIPTA ridership” and that RIPTA is “doing anything they can to increase ridership.” This is a direct quantitative indicator of the success of the public transport system and its accessibility (Target 11.2).

• Number of “Green Trips” Logged

  The article mentions that participants can “log ‘green trips’ — public transit, carpool, walking and bike trips — in a newly launched app.” This provides a direct, measurable indicator of the adoption of sustainable transport behaviors (Targets 11.2 and 11.6).

• Reduction in Emissions

  The app itself is designed to show users “how much their choices have reduced emissions.” This is a specific, quantifiable indicator that directly measures the environmental impact of the initiative and progress towards reducing the city’s carbon footprint (Targets 11.6 and 13.2).

• Frequency of Bus Service

  The article implies this is a critical indicator. An advocate is quoted saying, “the number one factor that increases ridership is frequency, and we’re going backwards.” Therefore, tracking the frequency of service on RIPTA routes would be a key indicator of the system’s accessibility and effectiveness (Target 11.2).

• Reduction in Solo Driving Trips

  The stated aim of the initiative is to “reduce solo driving trips.” Measuring the change in this behavior among participants or across the region would be a direct indicator of the program’s success in promoting sustainable transport (Targets 11.6 and 13.2).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: browndailyherald.com