About the Public Involvement Program
The study has been shaped and defined by a robust public involvement program. This program included numerous one-on-one meetings with various stakeholders; five Advisory Committee meetings with a representative cross-section of business, community and agency leaders; three interactive public meetings and workshops; an interactive study website; and newsletters, fact sheets, surveys, and press releases.
A highlight of the public involvement program occurred in the project's first public meeting: more than 60 attendees participated in a "Planner for an Evening" mapping exercise. Participants were asked to imagine they were either driving, bicycling, walking or catching a trolley shuttle. They were then asked to mark up areas on the study map that were locations of concern. This exercise helped the study team better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the existing transportation infrastructure and services. Results were used to develop interactive maps of a potential trolley-bus route, as well as provide input for development of pedestrian, bicycle, and roadway/intersection improvements.
The Mystic Mobility Study is a reflection of strong public participation and involvement, and the results of the public involvement effort clearly demonstrate this: more than 780 people visited the study website during the course of the project, and more than 200 area residents participated in public and stakeholder meetings. This high level of public input must now be leveraged to help local and regional officials move the study's recommendations to the important implementation stage.
