On Thursday, February 27, more than 60 local transportation advocates and experts gathered on a rainy evening in Belmont, NC. These individuals represented local government, business and state interests as they discussed the challenges and successes of local transportation. At the helm of the meeting were Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) and Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization (GCLMPO), with support in hosting and facilitation from Centralina Regional Council. Â
This annual joint MPO roundtable has been a long-running tradition that celebrates collaboration between the organizations as they look to better connect our roads, communities, and most importantly, our people. The event included contributions from City of Gastonia, CRTPO, NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and business representatives from the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Gaston Business Association.
Randi Gates, Gastoniaâs Director of Transportation, kicked off the presentation portion of the event to give an update on GoGastonia, the cityâs thriving microtransit initiative that proves public transportation doesnât have to be fixed-route. In an example, the use of this shared transit option saved nearly two hours for an individual going to a doctorâs office when compared to using a fixed-route bus to reach the same destination. Itâs because of this efficiency that GoGastonia has completed nearly 100,000 rides in its eight months of operation. Â
Next on the agenda was Will Snyder, Project Implementation Planner for CRTPO. Among the details shared during Willâs presentation of the agencyâs Comprehensive Safety Action Plan were statistics that underscored the criticality and importance of advancing such a plan. For instance, in Iredell County, residents can expect a car crash to occur every hour, an injury every four hours and a death every 14 days. In Union County, similar statistics exist with a death occurring every 13 days. In Mecklenburg County, the statistics grow more grim with a crash every 12 minutes, an injury every 30 minutes and a death nearly every two-and-a-half days.
Funding projects that improve our safety and mobility is a top priority for all of our communities. In addition to our collaborative and collective advocacy for safety and mobility, involvement by key regional stakeholders, like employers in our various business sectors, is necessary for developing comprehensive plans. Joe Bost (Charlotte Regional Business Alliance), Patrick Mumford (Gaston Business Association) and Tony Lathrop (NCDOT Transportation Board) participated in a panel hosted by Centralinaâs Executive Director, Geraldine Gardner, to share ideas on just that. From the panel, we learned that our partnerships with local businesses are a powerful asset in advocating for improved transportation and that innovation should be embraced. Whether itâs evaluating a possible mileage tax or advocating for increased local funding options, our communities can be creative in how to solve for their challenges.Â
Centralina Regional Council is a continuing partner of CRTPO, GCLMPO and other regional planning organizations. Weâre inspired by the collaboration we see between these two agencies and their willingness to join forces in order to drive change.
