LadderS^TEP

To help build and restore connections, develop workforce capacity, and catalyze neighborhood revitalization, DOT is launching the Ladders of Opportunity Transportation Empowerment Pilot in seven U.S. cities.

LadderS^TEP will provide technical assistance and work to attract public and private resources to game-changing community transportation projects. By bringing together mayors, other local officials, non-profit organizations, private investors, DOT will demonstrate that our Ladders Of Opportunity goals are well within reach of communities across America.

Atlanta

In Atlanta, the city is looking to stimulate transit-oriented development in the Vine City neighborhood, which has two MARTA located near possible future expansion of the Atlanta BeltLine bike-ped trail and the city's streetcar. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) are providing enhanced technical assistance to the city to improve road and sidewalk infrastructure to boost safety and increase access to transit.

Baltimore

LadderS^TEP will focus on the area near the West Baltimore MARC Station, where existing transportation access provides a good starting point for neighborhood revitalization. DOT will work with the city to reconnect West Baltimore to downtown, a connection severed decades ago by a highway that was never completed.

Baton Rouge

The city of Baton Rouge is currently planning a Nicholson Street Corridor streetcar line. FTA will help the city navigate the planning and environmental analysis to select the best alignment for the line. FHWA will train city engineers in Complete Streets standards to complement the corridor.

Charlotte

DOT will maintain its support for phase two of the city's Gold Line Streetcar, which will run through the West Trade Area and reconnect this community to the city's thriving Uptown. DOT will also work with HUD and the Charlotte Housing Authority to ensure that housing decisions and transportation decisions are made in concert with each other.

Indianapolis

Indianapolis is planning to construct a BRT route to connect the Downtown employment hub to population centers to the north and south of the city. FTA will work with the city as it pursues the Small Starts funding to catalyze construction of this transit corridor.

Phoenix

The South Phoenix area is a diverse, transit-dependent community. As an older part of the Phoenix, it has existing infrastructure needs. DOT will help the city implement a 2014 TIGER grant to plan for the future construction of light rail in the South Central Corridor —a high local priority— as well as street and bus stop improvements.

Richmond

Greater Richmond Transit Company is building the city's first Bus Rapid Transit line, a 7.6-mile corridor between the city and Henrico County. Importantly, the Broad Street BRT line will provide frequent, reliable and fast service —and access to 77,000 area employment opportunities— for transit-dependent residents in Richmond's Greater Fulton community.

These are DOT's seven LadderS^TEP pilot cities. And in each of these communities, we'll work tirelessly to build Ladders Of Opportunity that area residents need and that all Americans deserve.