By Subcontractors USA News Provider
After months of online and in-person conversations among regional residents and civic leaders, MobilityHouston released its final findings report recently. The report provides a detailed analysis of the top five ideas submitted to MobilityHouston.com by Houston area residents, and explains potential ways to improve mobility and transportation options in Houston as well as the current status of each topic and how people can impact each of the ideas.
“As Houston continues to grow in population and density, we need to think creatively about how to encourage multi-modal transportation options that decrease congestion,” said Houston City Council Member David W. Robinson. “We also need citizens to engage in these discussions and tell us what transportation options they want. MobilityHouston provided a platform for the people who use our transportation system to share their ideas and give feedback on what we can improve.”
The top solutions, resulting from both in-person and online outreach since January 2016, include policy initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and public-transit service modifications. The top five ideas are:
- Make sidewalks a priority to improve walkability.
- Revamp the commuter rail discussion.
- Eliminate parking minimums throughout the city.
- Approve the Bike Master Plan.
- Implement dynamic toll pricing.
“It’s clear that we need to expand the conversations about the future of mobility in Houston,” said Clark Martinson, Executive Director of the Energy Corridor District. “MobilityHouston demonstrated the desire on behalf of residents and companies outside of Houston’s core to take part in the discussion. It has been refreshing to have new voices and perspectives join in a meaningful dialog about what one of the most pressing challenges we face as a community.”
Houstonians from and regional residents provided hundreds of ideas and thousands of upvotes and comments throughout the MobilityHouston initiative, both online and at in-person events. The report also includes an overview of the MobilityHouston platform, highlights takeaways from the in-person engagement events and spotlights other engagement initiatives taking place around Houston mobility.
“MobilityHouston provided the framework for mobility stakeholders and the public at large to to roll-up their sleeves and talk about how to improve mobility in Houston. moovel was honored to be a part of that discussion and we will continue to look for ways to make it easier for people to be part of the solution,” said Joseph Kopser, CEO of moovel. “We will do our part to help continue the conversation to develop long term, sustainable mobility solutions for Houston.”
“MobilityHouston was a much-needed shot in the arm for Houston and civic engagement,” said Jeff Reichman, Principal at January Advisors. “I think it really showed how Houston can benefit from an innovative, sustained community conversation about mobility, integrating both in-person events and an online community.”
Built by non-profit Glasshouse Policy as a resource for the people of Houston, transportation experts, and Houston policymakers, MobilityHouston is a conversation series and town hall discussion for residents of Houston and surrounding areas to explore topics that impact regional mobility.
A copy of the report can be found at MobilityHouston.com.
