Report on the Proposed Modernization of the Imperial Valley Transit (IVT) Ride-Share Service and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

The Imperial County Transportation Commission (ICTC) has put forth a proposal to expand and modernize the Imperial Valley Transit (IVT) intracity ride-share service. The initiative is designed to increase ridership and significantly improve transportation equity, directly contributing to the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The proposed changes involve opening the service to the general public, introducing modern payment and scheduling technologies, and unifying the fare structure to enhance accessibility for all residents.

Current Service Limitations and Barriers to Sustainability

The existing IVT ride-share service presents several limitations that hinder its potential to fully support a sustainable and inclusive community. These barriers include:

• Restricted Access: Service is currently limited to seniors aged 55 and older and individuals with disabilities, which excludes other vulnerable or low-income populations from accessing affordable transport, thereby failing to fully address SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
• Outdated Systems: Reservations can only be made by phone, and payments are restricted to cash only. This lack of modern infrastructure is a missed opportunity for progress under SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
• Inconsistent Fares: The current fare structure ranges from $1 to $3, which can create confusion and potential barriers for users.

Proposed Enhancements for an Inclusive and Sustainable Transit System

The ICTC’s proposal introduces several key enhancements aimed at creating a more resilient, inclusive, and technologically advanced public transportation network. These changes are foundational to advancing local sustainability targets.

1. Expansion of Service Eligibility: The service will be made available to the general public, removing age and disability status as prerequisites. This is a critical step toward achieving SDG 11 by providing all citizens with access to safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems.
2. Technological Modernization: A mobile application will be introduced for scheduling rides and processing payments. This aligns with SDG 9 by upgrading local infrastructure and embracing innovation to improve service efficiency and user experience.
3. Unified and Equitable Fare Structure: A flat fare of $2 will be implemented for the general public, while a discounted rate of $1 will be maintained for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This policy directly supports SDG 10 by ensuring affordability and reducing financial inequalities in access to essential services.
4. Continuation of Accessible Services: Traditional booking via phone and cash payments will be retained to ensure that the service remains accessible to individuals without access to digital technology, further reinforcing the commitment to SDG 10.

Direct Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The proposed modernization of the IVT ride-share service is strongly aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Key contributions include:

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: By expanding access to affordable public transit, the initiative helps create a more inclusive, safe, and sustainable transportation system for communities in Brawley, Calexico, El Centro, Heber, Imperial, and West Shores.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The plan directly addresses inequality by opening the service to all residents and maintaining discounted fares for vulnerable groups, ensuring that transportation is not a barrier to social and economic participation.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: Reliable and affordable transportation improves access to healthcare appointments, nutrition centers, and social activities, which is vital for the physical and mental well-being of all community members, particularly seniors.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: As noted by Council Member Sylvia Marroquin’s comments on the high cost of taxis, providing an affordable alternative enables residents to more easily access employment and economic opportunities.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The integration of a mobile application for scheduling and payment represents a significant upgrade to the region’s public transport infrastructure, fostering innovation in service delivery.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The ICTC’s strategy of engaging with city councils and conducting public outreach in community centers exemplifies a collaborative approach to implementing sustainable development solutions.

Implementation and Community Outreach Strategy

To ensure a successful launch on September 2, the ICTC will undertake a comprehensive community engagement process. This strategy reflects a commitment to inclusive partnership as outlined in SDG 17.

• Conducting public meetings to gather community feedback.
• Presenting the proposal at city council meetings in all service areas.
• Visiting local nutrition centers and adult day-out centers to engage directly with key user groups.
• Continuing dedicated outreach to the senior community to ensure a smooth transition.

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

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article discusses a transportation service initially created for vulnerable groups, specifically “seniors aged 55 and older and individuals with disabilities.” The proposal to expand this service to the “general public” while maintaining discounted rates for these groups directly addresses the goal of reducing inequalities by improving access to essential services for all, regardless of age, disability, or economic status.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The core topic is the expansion and modernization of the “IVT intracity ride-share bus service.” This initiative aims to provide accessible, affordable, and sustainable transportation within several communities (Brawley, Calexico, El Centro, etc.). This aligns with the goal of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by improving public transport systems.

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

1. Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social and economic inclusion of all

   This target aims to “empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability… or economic or other status.” The article’s proposal directly supports this by:

   • Expanding the service from a specific demographic (seniors and persons with disabilities) to the “general public,” thus promoting inclusion irrespective of age or disability.
   • Maintaining an affordable fare structure (“a flat $2 for all riders, with a discounted $1 rate still available for seniors and individuals with disabilities”), which promotes economic inclusion by providing a low-cost alternative to expensive taxis.

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

   This target focuses on providing “access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all… with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations… persons with disabilities and older persons.” The IVT service expansion is a direct implementation of this target by:

   • Providing an “affordable” service with rides costing between $1 and $3.
   • Ensuring it is “accessible” through “ADA-accessible vehicles” and curb-to-curb service.
   • Expanding public transport to serve “all community members” while continuing outreach to the “senior community” and those with disabilities.

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

• Indicator for Target 10.2: Measuring Inclusion

  The article implies indicators that can measure progress towards social and economic inclusion:

  • Scope of Service Eligibility: Progress can be measured by the change in eligibility criteria from being limited to “seniors aged 55 and older and individuals with disabilities” to being open to the “general public.” An increase in ridership from the general population would be a key metric.
  • Affordability Metric: The fare structure itself serves as an indicator. The “flat $2” fare and the “discounted $1 rate” are quantifiable measures of affordability, especially when compared to alternatives like taxis, which “can sometimes not be affordable.”

• Indicator for Target 11.2: Measuring Access to Public Transport

  The article provides data points that align with the official indicator 11.2.1 (Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport):

  • Service Coverage: The list of communities served (“Brawley, Calexico, El Centro, Heber, Imperial, and West Shores”) defines the geographic area where access is provided. An increase in ridership within these areas would indicate improved access.
  • Accessibility Features: The mention of “ADA-accessible vehicles” is a direct indicator of accessibility for persons with disabilities. The introduction of a “mobile application for scheduling and payment” alongside traditional phone and cash options is an indicator of improved convenience and modern access for all users.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ivpressonline.com