Seattle’s transportation system is on a track to become more equitable, and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) has made a tool to show us how they're getting there. Since early 2019, SDOT's Transportation Equity Workgroup (TEW) has worked to give all community members, especially those representing marginalized groups, a say in the city's transit future. Together with SDOT staff, the TEW crafted the Transportation Equity Framework (TEF), which details 220 tactics designed to guide the city’s transit-related initiatives through 2028 and beyond.
The TEF, which includes goals like promoting economic development and increasing transit access, is not just a static document. It's meant to be actionable, influenced by the very people it serves—Seattle's varied and vibrant communities. SDOT wants to fully even more engage citizens in their quest for transportation justice. And to enable that, they've just rolled out the TEF Monitor, a public dashboard that lets anyone track SDOT's progress in realizing the TEF's tactics. "Develop, monitor, and create a community-facing monitoring and visual tool for the TEF implementation plan, such as a dashboard," is one such tactic under the TEF, aimed at enhancing decision-making, transparency, and accountability, as mentioned by SDOT.
According to the details shared by SDOT, the TEF Monitor includes several components: background information on the project, progress updates, outcomes of implemented strategies, and a section highlighting specific achievements. Importantly, it also provides a platform for constituents to give their feedback. This dialogue between the public and those who design the systems that move people to and fro is core to SDOT's vision of transportation equity.
The department has pledged not to simply set and forget the TEF Monitor. They intend to continuously refine it, making sure that it serves as an accurate and helpful resource for Seattleites. "We want to use your feedback to make the tool even better and to show the information that you want to know in a way that is easiest to understand," SDOT expressed. Public input will play a critical role in how the TEF Monitor evolves over time.
Now that the TEF Monitor is live, SDOT is inviting everyone to take a look and share their thoughts. They emphasize the significance of community involvement in ensuring the equity of Seattle's transportation landscape. For those interested in diving in and tracking SDOT's moves towards a fairer commute, the TEF Monitor is available and awaiting input. To explore the monitor and contribute your perspective, visit SDOT's announcement post and follow the indicated link.
