Prof. Richard Sheridan
CELS-CPLA
205 RODMAN HALL
Kingston, RI  02881
401-874-4546
RSHERIDAN@MAIL.URI.EDU
PI


Prof. Farhad Atash
University of Rhode Island-Community Planning & Landscape Architecture
Rodman Hall
Kingston, RI  02881
401-874-2982


Dr.  Talia McCray
College of Business Administration
301 Ballentine Hall
Kingston, RI  02881
874-4406


 Mark Christiano
CELS-Nrs
Coastal Institute - Kingston
Kingston, RI  02881
401-874-5054


Mr. Jason Hellendrung
Sasaki Associates, Inc.

During this semester-long study, the studio will review previous transit studies that have been prepared by the Rhode Island Public Transportation Association, Rhode Island Department of Transportation, and Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program, among others, including proposals for a fixed rail, streetcar, or fixed bus route (bus rapid transit). We believe the subject of this study warrants strong consideration to develop a system that serves the state.

Transit

A key outcome of this study will be a proposed transit system that improves access and mobility for those within the state, particularly for those that are most dependent on an efficient, dependable transit alternative to get them to work, shop, or supply their other basic needs in life, particularly the many senior citizens, handicapped, and poor who either can not drive, or can not afford a personal automobile. The study will look at not just supporting the current needs of the state, but will also look at how transit can shape land use policy and promote compact, pedestrian-friendly, mixed use development around transit that sustains and strengthens existing neighborhoods and maximizes development opportunities and investments in new development areas. Compact, pedestrian-friendly development promotes community development and more efficiently utilizes the State's land and natural resources.

Currently, the State is proceeding with Intermodal Planning in several locations, including coordination with Amtrak and/or Massachusetts Commuter Rail in South Attleboro, Providence, Green Airport in Warwick, and a commuter rail station and parking garage in Wickford. All of these initiatives are focused primarily on providing access to the Commuter Rail serving the Boston Metropolitan region. This studio will focus on providing effective and efficient transportation options for those within the state. The needs are clear:

• Congestion continues to increase in, and around, Providence
  
• With increasing automobile congestion is reduced air quality from vehicle emissions.
  
• Development sprawl is an inefficient use of land in the state and puts greater pressure on the State's natural resources, particularly the water bodies that receive increased stormwater run-off from the increased impervious land area.
  
• Bus ridership has increased over 26% in Rhode Island since 2003, a result attributed to increased congestion and the increased price of gas during that period.

Some of the proposed study outcomes of the studio will include:

• A comparison of Providence and Rhode Island to its peer cities and states relative to funding for transit, as well as potential alternative funding sources that have been utilized in other metropolitan areas nationally, and internationally.
  
• Development of alternatives to demonstrate how existing urban, or suburban, neighborhoods could potentially redevelop, or how a new neighborhood could be developed around, transit.
  
• Development of alternatives that will demonstrate how a fixed route transit system can be integrated into the existing urban, or suburban, public realm of cities within the State.
  
• Survey new technologies being integrated to transit elsewhere to improve transit service, and attract riders and generate revenue. Potential technologies include vehicle prioritization system (via vehicle detection systems that link transit vehicles to traffic signals, similar to what is used with emergency vehicles) and decrease transit head-ways. These vehicle detection systems can then be linked to digital "variable message systems", as well as wireless devices like cell phones or laptops, to announce transit vehicle arrivals times. All of these technologies have been introduced to improve transit service by decreasing travel times along transit routes. Another initiative to improve transit services is advanced fare vending systems to speed boarding, further speeding up travel times along routes. Passenger amenities to improve transit ridership, and generate revenue, include such technologies as wireless internet access on vehicles and "place-based media" (television systems) on bus and rail vehicles.

Will finish project during one semester's time.

$190,162.00

This will involve all students who register for this course.

Related to other URITC CPLA Design Studio courses with regard to research methodology and local planning considerations.

Project presentations and seminars.

The subject of this study warrants strong consideration to develop a system that serves the state.

Transit, Southeastern New England, Intermodal Planning