Unpacking the Quality of Life Forum on Transportation

Nov 21

It’s time for the city of Sioux Falls to invest significantly in public transportation. That was a major takeaway in the first of seven Quality of Life Forums hosted by the Community Revitalization Collective. The Wesley United Methodist Fellowship Hall forum brought together representatives from the city, private transportation providers like School Bus Inc. and Wheelchair Express, neighborhood residents, members of the unhoused community, and even city council candidates.

The Future Forms model, developed by Clint Brown and Jordan Deffenbaugh, was at the heart of the dialogue. This methodology is based on Open Space, a facilitation method for steering groups toward actionable outcomes. The event's main goal was to discuss and shape the city's transportation policies actively.

The challenges facing public transit in mid-sized Midwest cities took center stage. The American Midwest presents a unique set of hurdles for public transit—sprawling landscapes, harsh weather conditions, and a dependency on personal vehicles ingrained in the culture. As the forum unfolded, participants delved into the key challenges, acknowledging the need for innovative solutions to enhance accessibility, safety, and sustainability in transportation.

City representatives shed light on the recent change in the management company that runs the city’s transportation system from First Transit to Via. Private providers chimed in, offering insights into the intricacies of the transportation ecosystem. City council candidates underlined the forum's significance in shaping policies impacting community well-being.

Breakout sessions focused on safety, accessibility, and employee retention for both city and private providers. Sustainable land use practices related to transportation were discussed, shedding light on ways to weave a greener thread into the urban fabric.

Everyone in the room agreed that more meaningful investment was needed in our transportation system. There was also an underlying recognition that we didn't know where to start. Here is what popped up in the conversation:

Concerns

Safety for drivers and passengers.
Decent pay for drivers, especially since much of this work is part-time.
Everyone is forced to own a car, which is a depreciating asset.
There is a need for amenities like bus-stop benches and shelters.
Low-density development is on the perimeters where many people find jobs and housing.
A car-centric culture, especially amongst the leadership class.
Lack of funding.
Public perception of the transportation system could be more positive.
The fast expansion of our city means that leaps and bounds are outpacing our transportation system.

Ideas

Larger employers are investing in the transit system to improve access for their workforce.
Establishing partnerships with private transportation providers and area non-profits.
Establishing denser walkable hubs across the city.
Creating rapid transit corridors with bus priority lanes.
More scooters and e-bikes for rent.
Establishing more frequent service to core neighborhoods.

The Community Revitalization Collective will use this data to inform neighborhood projects and provide context for city leaders and local service organizations.

The next forum will cover Housing this Saturday, December 2nd at 10:00.