Project Overview
Introducing the Route Restoration Equity Index (RREI) Project, spearheaded by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA). Our mission? To tackle the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on public transit ridership. Despite service cutbacks, many folks in our community still rely on public transit, highlighting the crucial need for a strategic approach beyond the usual metrics like boardings.
Our goal is simple: develop a solid plan to restore routes that considers the diverse needs of all communities. We're not just about numbers; we're about ensuring fairness and accessibility for everyone who depends on public transit. This project isn't just about UTA — it's about building a more inclusive and responsive transit system that serves the needs of all.
Our promise to the public is to be transparent, inclusive, and accountable every step of the way. We're committed to keeping you in the loop and making sure your voice is heard as we work towards a better transit future.
Transit Equity
What do we mean when we say equity? Fair, safe, and affordable transit access for all community members, with a focus on addressing the needs of historically underserved communities. Providing equitable transit includes eliminating barriers, ensuring service meets actual needs, and actively working toward a transit system that includes, empowers, and respects all riders.
Our Key Commitments
Explore our key commitments, the guiding principles that drive our efforts towards creating a fairer and more inclusive community. From data-driven insights to intentional inclusivity, we're dedicated to advocating for justice and equity in all aspects of our work.
- 1. Data-Driven Insights: We use the best data available to understand your needs and identify necessary changes for safety and security.
- 2. Intersectional Approach: We consider diverse concerns in our research and actions to ensure fairness for all families.
- 3. Advocacy and Illumination: We advocate for fairness by providing research and shedding light on systemic issues, actively working towards positive change.
- 4. Root Cause Examination: We dig deep to uncover and address systemic racial inequities and consider various perspectives.
- 5. Intentional Inclusivity: We intentionally include diverse voices in our work without burdening any particular group, avoiding tokenistic efforts.
- 6. Accountability and Justice Promotion: We hold ourselves accountable to promoting justice and equity in all aspects of our work, calling attention to any actions that go against these principles.
Resources:
- UTA Market Segmentation and Gap Analysis
- 5 Year Service Plan
- Long range service plan
- 2022 Title VI (1 - 46, 59 - 68)
Project Timeline:
- May - Internal UTA Focus Group Workshop
- These groups will pave the way to fostering crucial dialogues among key stakeholders within UTA to shape our approach.
- June - Key External Partner Interviews
- These interviews will help guide us to pinpoint organizations that align with UTA's goals and possess valuable perspectives on equity gaps and community needs in the transit system.
- July - Transit Audit (City-Wide Transit Audit for New Americans and Inclusive Mobility Transit Audit)
- Distinct audits for varied demographics to gain hands-on insights into the challenges faced by different groups.
- August - Mapping Workshop and Digital Map Engagement
- The Information and Lessons Learned phase systematically captures insights, forming the bedrock for subsequent steps and contributing to the shaping of the Equity Index tool.
- Ongoing - Community Festivals and Events:
- Juneteenth 6/15/24
- Liberty Festival 6/29/24
- World Refugee Festival 6/21-22/24
- October - Reporting Findings and Equity Index
- Final Report, synthesizing findings from the internal focus group, transit audits, mapping workshop, and community events, laying the groundwork for the implementation of the Equity Index tool.
This strategic sequence ensures a dynamic and inclusive public involvement process, reflecting the diverse voices and needs within the community.