It’s easy to think that public transit is only a consideration in our urban cities, but rural transit is an essential lifeline that many communities rely on. July 16th is Rural Transit Day, a day to celebrate Rural Transit Authorities, the unique challenges they face, and the communities they serve.
The Challenges
Anyone in the public sector knows the struggle of doing more with less. Small communities especially face smaller tax bases and limited resources, making this balance even more precarious. Rural transit agencies face the same pinch. As operating and capital costs increase, finding funding has only become more difficult.
Beyond the inherent funding challenge, rural transit agencies face the physical challenges of covering huge areas with limited resources. Serving low-density communities is often accompanied by poor driving conditions, and long distances. Yet despite these challenges, rural transit authorities rise to the occasion to provide reliable, timely, and safe transportation to those in need.
Rural Transit Day
Rural Transit Day was created to highlight the needs of rural transit authorities and to promote collaboration with other organizations. At Capital Strategic Solutions, we know from experience that collaboration across agencies, departments, and municipalities builds resiliency for our community and the services we provide.
On this Rural Transit Day we recognize the essential work being done by rural transit authorities, and the challenges they face.
Supporting rural transit can look many ways, but a few basics are essential:
- Increasing communication between organizations to build relationships
- Including rural transit agencies at the table for broader community planning
- Highlighting transit achievements and services on multiple platforms
- Advocating for rural transit agencies to support their services and passengers
- Understanding the challenges rural transit agencies face
Access to transportation is essential not only for the economic well-being of communities, but for bringing people together. Communities interested in supporting Rural Transit Day may find resources from the Rural Transit Assistance Program
About Capital Strategic Solutions
CSS is a certified woman-owned, disadvantaged business enterprise of municipal experts delivering creative, cost-effective solutions that maximize success and minimize risk. With deep local government expertise, we craft tailored strategies to meet each community’s unique needs.
Our capabilities span public administration, municipal finance, human resources, policy development, emergency management, public safety, public works, water operations, interim municipal services, public relations, community engagement, project management, grant writing, and onsite support. We partner with clients to define clear goals, overcome challenges, and implement human-centered plans that drive performance and transform communities.