January Evolution Forum: Transit in a Sustainable Rhode Island
5:30pm to 8pm, Thursday, January 28
Jan. 14, 2010 (Providence, R.I.) – There’s a new consensus emerging around a sustainable transit future for Rhode Island. An alliance of environmental groups, businesses, unions, senior groups and others have joined together to promote a 21st century transportation system that enhances our economy and provides all Rhode Islanders with healthy transportation choices.
Now is your chance to be part of the conversation.
If you use RIPTA services and have ideas to make them better, if you bike or walk and want to hear about projects to make our roads safer and our communities more walkable or if you’re just looking for the inspiration and the practical steps you can take to use your car less, then you want to attend the Apeiron Institute’s next Evolution Forum: “Transit in a Sustainable Rhode Island.”
The panel discussion will be held on Thursday, January 28 at the Apeiron Institute on 17 Gordon Ave. in Providence, Rhode Island (bus directions are below). A light snack will be served at 5:30, followed by the panel discussion and questions and answers from 6:30 to 8:00. The event is free to Apeiron members and students. For more information and details visit www.apeiron.org/forum or contact Jessica Blackledge at 401.228.7930 or Jessie@aperion.
*This event is Co-Sponsored by the RI Coalition for Transportation Choices*
Panelists include:
John Flaherty– John is Co-Chair for the RI Coalition for Transportation Choices. John is also the Director of Research and Communications for Grow Smart Rhode Island. John’s policy work at Grow Smart is focused on transportation – particularly public transportation – and economic development. He is also responsible for Grow Smart’s communications, including its website, electronic newsletter and media outreach.
Catherine Lutz– With her sister, Anne Lutz Fernandez, Catherine has been studying the car system in the United States focusing on its financial, social and health impacts on families and individuals. Their book, Carjacked: The Culture of the Automobile and its Effects on Our Lives, details the complex impact of the automobile on modern society and shows us how to develop a healthier, cheaper and greener relationship with cars (www.carjacked.org).Catherine is an anthropologist and the Thomas J. Watson, Jr. Family Professor of Anthropology and International Studies at Brown University.
Mark Therrien– Mark serves as the Assistant General Manager for Transit Development, Planning and Grants for the RI Public Transit Authority and is responsible for all aspects of RIPTA planning and project development, as well as federal grant management. He has worked for RIPTA for over 30 years in a variety of roles. Past responsibilities have encompassed almost all aspects of planning and management for RIPTA transit operations and services, including bus scheduling, service planning, driver training, security, purchasing and labor negotiations.
Bus Directions from Kennedy Plaza:
Take Bus #11: Providence to Broad City Line Outbound. Depart Kennedy Plaza at Berth F. Ride for approximately 18 minutes. Get off the bus at Stanwood Street. Walk north on Broad St toward Saratoga Street. Turn right at Saratoga Street and walk to the first intersection. Turn right at Baxter Street. 17 Gordon Ave will be on your left. Look for a sign that says Gordon Avenue Business Incubator.