Every local issue we are trying to resolve is affected by a larger fabric of issues that must be understood, including embracing positive ways to manage expected growth. It is therefore crucial that we work together to implement an effective, scalable, and relevant TRANSPORTATION system, and make expanding WATER & SEWER CAPACITY a priority, all while welcoming new talent and new ideas. Similarly, we will promote the understanding that CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT remains a consistent community asset whose economic benefits are enormous.
What We Want You to Understand:
With growth comes the need to transport our new neighbors we are happy to welcome to our region.
There are mountains of facts about the positive health effects of properly managed transportation. Especially the fact that one of the leading causes of poverty is LACK of good transportation. We found the following content to be extremely accurate in summarizing our belief about why we need to monitor, implement, and maintain modern solutions to transportation issues for our region. The website healthaffairs.org includes these statements:
“Health, functioning, and quality of life are products of the social and economic conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age. Research suggests that an estimated 20 percent of a person’s health can be attributed to clinical care, whereas an estimated 30 percent can be attributed to health behaviors such as diet and exercise, and another 10 percent to the physical environment, including air and water quality, housing, and transit. The remaining 40 percent is related to social and economic factors such as education, employment, and income. Transportation is a component of the built environment, with important impacts on public health and health equity.”
New or expanded public transportation options can increase access to and use of transit and can improve health outcomes by promoting better air quality, increasing levels of physical activity, decreasing injuries from motor vehicle crashes, and improving mental health. Access to public transportation may also reduce health disparities and promote health equity by increasing access to healthier food options, medical care, vital services, and employment for communities that do not have equal access to these fundamental daily necessities.”
Public transportation refers to a wide variety of options, including buses, streetcars, light rail, ferries, and subways that provide “regular and continuing” transportation to the public and that may incorporate private sector services such as paratransit or ride-sharing.”
Additionally the CRTPO, or Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization is the link between our citizens and the NC Department of Transportation. To fully understand this organization, click here.