We are very excited to find out if our proposal will be funded by the Sprout Fund on Friday, December 21. Just in time for the end of the world to happen! Never the less, it will be a new beginning and a new way for Pittsburgh Retailers to engage in their communities and activate public transportation options when shopping.
And, even if the Sprout Fund finds another proposal more awesome than ours to fund… we will continue on with our super-awesome plans. Stay tuned for more details!
Pittsburgh is a great city and has many wonderful assets like, parks, bridges, sports arenas, colleges, shopping, cute neighborhoods, low cost of living, you get the picture. Now, Pittsburgh’s want to use its’ existing assets, like the Port Authority, could be a little big greater which make them that much more wonderful.
One of the biggest issues besides the political nature of a government run public transportation [PT] system, is its’ ridership. The Port Authority and the catch 22 situation of expanding bus routes or investing in other modes of transportation come down to this: if there is no destination, there is no need for a route. On the flip-side, business corridors may think: there is no route, what will happen to my destination?
Having lived and worked and visited other transportation systems in US and foreign cities, Pittsburgh could use some upgrades and improvements. Yet the only way an investment will work is if the people use it. I’ve been a big advocate of light rail, yet in this highlighted article above, an expert states this may not be a viable type of transport for this city. He also highlights how the lack of riders on a bus will actually increase the carbon foot print in comparison to the energy used for a single rider in a car.
Look in Pt. 2 for additional considerations and information regarding our need to utilize the existing assets our city has that will benefit you, your community, and the world as a whole.
PGH Retail will be submitting a grant to the Sprout Fund’s request for proposals that involves Pittsburgh’s Public Transportation and our community.
We can’t just yet release the details, however, after being involved with some of PoP City’s Social Innovation Exchanges (SIX), we have exchanged and heard many of the ideas about how we [the people of Pittsburgh] would like to see this evolve.
The programs we are proposing will include the many business corridors in our neighborhoods, special promotions via the Port Authority & small businesses, and engagement with communities about access and alternatives to public transportation that will grow the activity of our vital business corridors.
In the effort to keep shopping local [ie. locally owned, locally grown, and locally produced products] and reduce Pittsburgh’s carbon foot print, we will be organizing events that will produce a lasting impact on communities and their mobility to reach our shopping districts.
Here’s the link to Like Us on Facebook so you can receive updates on our upcoming programs, memberships, and the retail scene!
Pittsburgh Retail 