Transit Equity: Investing in Public Transportation

October 29, 2024

The Triangle Transportation Choices Grant Program, in partnership with UNC’s Food, Fitness and Opportunity Research Collaborative (FFORC), is embarking on a transformative two-year project aimed at enhancing transportation options in communities served by Habitat for Humanity. The initiative will first focus on Weavers Grove this upcoming year and transition to the existing Rogers Road the following year.

With an annual $100,000 investment, the primary goal of this grant is to encourage residents to utilize public transportation, particularly emphasizing routes that connect to downtown Chapel Hill. A series of training sessions will be offered to familiarize residents with Chapel Hill Transit, especially the T route, which conveniently runs through Weavers Grove. These sessions aim to empower community members to navigate the bus system with confidence.

In addition to public transit education, the program promotes biking as a safe and viable transportation option. Safety skills will be taught through engaging activities, including a “Bike Rodeo”—a fun event featuring drills and obstacle courses designed to teach both children and adults how to ride safely in traffic. This initiative not only fosters biking skills but also builds community spirit.

The initiative underscores the importance of transit equity, ensuring that underserved communities have a voice in transportation decisions. By allocating resources based on community needs, the program aims to address disparities and ensure fair access to transit benefits across social groups.

Habitat staff have already participated in transit training to better understand how to support homebuyers in navigating their transportation options. As this project unfolds, it promises to not only improve transportation accessibility but also foster a sense of community and promote sustainable practices in the area.