Transit leaders say the future of public transportation in Hampton Roads hinges on funding and regional collaboration – WHRO

Report on Public Transportation Enhancements and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals in Hampton Roads

Introduction: Post-Pandemic Recovery and Economic Impact

Public transit ridership in the Hampton Roads region is recovering following a nationwide decline during the pandemic. This recovery is crucial for regional development, as investment in public transportation yields significant economic returns, estimated at $5 for every $1 invested. This economic stimulus directly supports the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by fostering a prerequisite for a robust regional economy.

Infrastructure and Innovation for Sustainable Communities (SDG 9 & SDG 11)

In alignment with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which calls for safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems, regional transit authorities have initiated several key improvements. These initiatives also advance SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by developing quality, reliable, and resilient infrastructure.

• Enhanced Passenger Dignity and Safety: Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) has constructed 600 new bus shelters, a critical step toward providing a dignified and safe waiting environment for all passengers, including families and vulnerable individuals. This directly addresses Target 11.2 of the SDGs.
• Innovative On-Demand Services: To improve connectivity and reduce inequalities in access, as outlined in SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), HRT is deploying micro-transit services. These on-demand options, similar to ride-sharing platforms, connect users in areas with limited access to fixed bus routes. The cities of Suffolk and Williamsburg are also considering similar models.

Key Challenges to Achieving Sustainable Transit Goals

Despite progress, several challenges hinder the full realization of a sustainable and equitable transit network. These obstacles must be addressed to meet the targets set forth by the SDGs.

1. Financial Viability of Innovation: While micro-transit expands accessibility, its operational costs are higher than traditional bus services due to a lower passenger-to-driver ratio, posing a financial challenge to sustainable implementation.
2. System Reliability: External factors, such as frequent delays caused by railroad crossings in Suffolk, compromise the reliability of the service. Unreliable transit fails to provide a viable alternative to private vehicles, undermining progress toward SDG 11.
3. Service Frequency: Inadequate service frequency, with some routes offering only one bus per hour, limits the system’s practicality for daily commuters and fails to meet the needs of a dynamic urban population.

Proposed Solutions and Strategic Priorities

Transit leaders have identified several strategic priorities to overcome existing challenges and further align the regional network with global sustainability standards.

• Technological Integration for Reliability: The implementation of preemption technology, which allows buses to extend green light signals, is a proposed solution to mitigate delays and improve on-time performance, contributing to the development of resilient infrastructure under SDG 9.
• Route Optimization: Restructuring bus routes to avoid known obstacles like railroad tracks is being considered as a practical measure to enhance system reliability.
• Expansion of High-Frequency Service: A primary goal is to increase service frequency across all routes throughout the day. This is essential for making public transit a convenient and preferred mode of transportation, which would reduce road congestion and carbon emissions, thereby supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Funding and Governance for Sustainable Development

Sustained investment is critical for the success of these initiatives. The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 has provided significant funding, but its expiration necessitates advocacy for continued federal support. The American Public Transportation Association is proposing substantial new federal funds for public transit and rail. Concurrently, consistent financial buy-in and strategic decision-making from local governments are imperative, as they control route planning and implementation. A multi-level governance and funding commitment is essential to transform the region’s transit network into a powerful engine for achieving economic, social, and environmental sustainability as envisioned by the SDGs.

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

The article on public transit in Hampton Roads addresses and connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on infrastructure development, economic growth, and creating accessible and sustainable urban environments.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article directly links public transportation investment to economic benefits. It states that “For every dollar that’s invested in public transportation, there’s a $5 economic return” and that business leaders view a more effective transit network as “a prerequisite for growing the region’s economy.” This highlights the role of transit infrastructure in fostering economic productivity and growth.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  This is a central theme, as the entire article discusses the development and improvement of public transit infrastructure. It covers building “quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure” through projects like constructing 600 new shelters, exploring innovative “on-demand options” like micro-transit, and finding solutions to improve reliability, such as signal preemption to avoid delays caused by railroad tracks.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article’s core focus is on making public transit more accessible, safe, and efficient for urban populations. Efforts to build shelters to provide “service with dignity,” use micro-transit to “reach people without access to fixed routes,” and increase bus frequency directly contribute to creating a more inclusive and sustainable transport system for the community.

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

Based on the initiatives and challenges discussed, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being

  This target is addressed through the multiple efforts described to improve the transit system. The construction of 600 shelters enhances the quality and dignity of the service. The discussion around solving reliability issues caused by railroad tracks through preemption or route restructuring, and the goal to increase frequency, directly aim at creating a more reliable and effective infrastructure to serve the community.

• Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all… by expanding public transport

  This is the most directly relevant target. The article details several actions aimed at achieving this:

  • Accessibility: The implementation of micro-transit is explicitly mentioned as a way to “connect people to buses” and “reach people without access to fixed routes.”
  • Safety and Dignity: The construction of 600 shelters is a tangible step to ensure passengers, including families, do not have to wait in unsafe or undignified conditions like a “ditch back.”
  • Expansion and Improvement: The push for increased frequency (“One bus an hour isn’t enough”) and reliability are key components of expanding and improving the public transport system for all users.

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

Yes, the article mentions or implies several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicator for Economic Impact (SDG 8)

  Economic Return on Investment: The article explicitly states, “For every dollar that’s invested in public transportation, there’s a $5 economic return.” This ratio serves as a direct indicator of the economic efficiency and benefit of transit investments.

• Indicators for Infrastructure Quality and Access (SDG 9 & 11)

  • Number of Shelters Built: The specific figure of “600 shelters in the last year” is a direct, measurable indicator of infrastructure improvement and progress in providing a higher quality, safer service.
  • Service Frequency: The statement that “One bus an hour isn’t enough” and the goal to “improve that frequency” implies that the number of buses per hour on various routes is a key performance indicator for service quality and accessibility.
  • Service Reliability/On-Time Performance: The problem of buses being made “late” by railroad tracks points to on-time performance as a critical indicator. Progress could be measured by a reduction in delays after implementing solutions like signal preemption or route restructuring.
  • Service Coverage: The use of micro-transit to “reach people without access to fixed routes” implies that the proportion of the population with access to public transit is a key indicator of success for expanding the system’s reach.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: whro.org