Rides4Refugees Part 6: Insights, Themes, and Trends
Understanding the transportation needs of refugees in the U.S. helps us have a greater sense of appreciation for the positive impact that accessible, affordable, safe, and reliable transportation can have on our communities overall. Below are key insights and trends to inform future mobility solutions for refugees and the central Ohio region more broadly.
Robust Central Ohio Ecosystem of Support
The central Ohio region has a long history of welcoming immigrants and refugees, with robust public-private sector partnerships to enhance integration and inclusion. Future efforts to enhance mobility for refugees should continue to leverage this ecosystem to draw on shared resources, ideas, tools, and funding opportunities.
For example, in 2020, Columbus was one of only 10 communities selected in the U.S. to receive funding from the American Immigration Council and Welcoming America through its Gateways for Growth Challenge, which provides research support and assistance to enhance immigrant inclusion. With this support, Columbus City Council and Franklin County in partnership with US Together and a steering committee conducted focus groups and surveys with immigrants and refugees to understand their needs and establish a comprehensive plan for making Columbus a welcoming place for all. Based on extensive input from the immigrant and refugee community, the plan makes recommendations in the following priority areas, with transportation listed as a key need in most areas: 1) Equitable Economic and Workforce Development; 2) Equitable Education; 3) Connected, Safe, and Healthy Communities; 4) Equitable Access to Services, Resources, and ESL Classes; and 5) Civic Engagement, Government, and Leadership Development.
Enhanced Mobility Access Enhances Communities Overall
Enhanced mobility options often improve communities overall. As the Migration Policy Institute notes in “Movement after Migration,” access to transportation plays a large part in helping refugees and immigrants to integrate and become contributing members of their communities, providing access to work, school, and daily activities. The American Public Health Association describes transportation as “a community driver of health,” noting that transportation affects nearly every facet of life and that “accessible, affordable, and reliable transportation is essential for everyone.” Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Age-Friendly Cities framework lists diverse transportation options as one of eight key domains related to ensuring quality of life for an aging population, a key concern in the U.S. where by 2054, 84 million adults ages 65 and older will make up an estimated 23% of the population.
Momentum for Improved Transportation in Central Ohio
There is momentum for improved transportation in Central Ohio, as a recent editorial in the Columbus Dispatch notes.[1] The editorial highlights the work of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), which is in the final stages of its 2024–2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), a “long-range planning document that identifies transportation priorities, strategies, and projects over the next two decades.” The plan allows the region to tap federal transportation funding for maintenance and enhancement of public transit and infrastructure. MORPC’s goals align well with 99P Labs’ focus on C.A.S.E. technologies (connected and user-centric, automated and accessible, shared and secure, electric and environmental), as this quote by MORPC executive director William Murdock from the organization’s state of the region address illustrates:[2]
“This means things like electric vehicles, safety, advanced trains, sophisticated mobility programs like COTA Plus (an on demand microtransit service) and Gohio Commute (an online rideshare platform for commuters). Ideas like these can dramatically improve everyone’s quality of life. We can fix frustrating transportation mistakes around the region. We can improve safety and commutes. We can create new options from trains to trails and build new routes for freight and transit. And we can be more competitive for businesses and talent.”
Momentum for enhanced mobility in central Ohio is further underscored by LinkUS, a collaboration between the City of Columbus, Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), and MORPC to enhance mobility in the region. The $8 billion plan calls for light rail and buses to address the region’s growing population and workforce needs through 2050, “proving enhanced transit to current and future job centers along key corridors.” Goals of LinkUS include “faster, more reliable public transportation, safe and expanded bike and pedestrian paths, and walkable communities with more affordable access to work, home and entertainment.” Franklin County voters will head to the polls in November to decide the fate of the plan, which requires an increase in the county sales tax from 0.5 to one percent. Meanwhile, in March 2024, COTA secured $42 million in federal funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the LinkUS West Broad Rapid Transit Corridor.
With central Ohio’s 15 county region expected to grow to 3.15 million residents by 2050 — an estimated population increase of 726,000 people over 25 years — innovation in mobility solutions will be integral to providing accessible, affordable, sustainable and safe transportation. The Center for Innovation Strategies is pleased to continue its partnership with Honda Research Institute USA and 99P Labs toward that end.
[1] https://www.dispatch.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/04/10/amtrak-how-hard-is-it-to-get-around-in-the-columbus-area-leaders-listen-mid-ohio-regional-planning/70080587007/
[2] https://www.dispatch.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/04/10/amtrak-how-hard-is-it-to-get-around-in-the-columbus-area-leaders-listen-mid-ohio-regional-planning/70080587007/
Prior posts in this series:
Innovation Sprint Aims to Enhance Mobility for Refugee Community
