Public Involvement Techniques for Transportation Decisionmaking (Completed 1996)

Performer(s): Federal Transit Admin. (FTA)
Sponsor(s): FHWA; FTA

To order:

Cynthia Williamson. FHWA , HEPH-1, 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590;
Tel: 202-366-2051; Fax: 202-366-3409; Email: Cynthia.williamson@fhwa.dot.gov;
URL: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pubstats.html (Reports & Stats);
Order Nos.: FHWA-PD-96-031; NTIS No. PB97181085.

Abstract

This is one of five products under “Innovative Techniques for Public Involvement in Transportation Planning and Project Development.” An expanded collection of short descriptions of 37 public involvement techniques or groups of related techniques, it also incorporates all techniques in “Innovations in Public Involvement for Transportation Planning,” including initial steps to implement groups of related techniques. Three case studies: 1) South Sacramento, CA, Light Rail Transit/La Linea Del Sur (1997); 2) Metro Plan (Little Rock, AR) “Pouring Water on Dry Ground” (1997); and Public Involvement at Oregon Department of Transportation (1997). [This is the product of “Innovative Techniques for Public Involvement in Transportation Planning and Project Development,” a project also listed in this appendix.]

A System that Serves Everyone — Attracting Nontraditional Participants into the Regional Transportation Planning Process (Completed 1996)

Performer(s): Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (WASHCOG)
Sponsor(s): FHWA ; WASHCOG

To order:

Cynthia Williamson. FHWA, HEPH-1, 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590;
Tel: 202-366-2051; Fax: 202-366-3409; Email: Cynthia.williamson@fhwa.dot.gov.

Abstract

In 1995, the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board conducted a public outreach effort among low-income minority and non-English-speaking residents in four communities in Maryland, DC, and Virginia, and senior citizens attending an adult education program in Virginia. The project reached 350 persons through meetings, a traveling van exhibit, and questionnaires. Participants expressed concerns about bus service, fares, pedestrian safety, and the need for better transit information. The report discusses the lessons learned related to the outreach techniques used and the overall approach of target communities and their concerns. “Reaching Out to Everyone: Attracting Nontraditional Participants into the Regional Transportation Planning Process,” is a 20-minute videotape made available in fall 1998. It describes the practical lessons learned from an intensive effort to reach a broader range of citizens than have usually participated in its long-range transportation planning. The video can be used by highway agencies nationwide to develop transportation projects that enhance community values and increase public satisfaction with highway projects as a beneficial part of the community.