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Description
Our project has been established to address problems affecting Starachowice (Świętokrzyskie province) residents according to the 2030+ Świętokrzyskie Province Growth Strategy, namely transport-related social exclusion, intense car traffic, and low quality of public transport.We will engage inhabitants in activities aiming at introducing free public transport in Starachowice by 2023. The core element of our project is the Civic Legislative Initiative campaign encouraging inhabitants to support the City Council’s draft of the above solution. We will conduct a survey on the functioning of public transport, followed by open meetings for residents interested in the topic. By popularising the Civic Legislative Initiative, will encourage Starachowice residents to co-decide on issues affecting them personally. The idea of introducing free public transport in Starachowice is driven by the need to eliminate social inequalities, to prevent air pollution, and to increase the attractiveness of the city in the eyes of potential residents.
Summary of project results
The project was a response to the need to improve the quality and accessibility of public transport for the residents of Starachowice. We wanted this public policy, which is important from the residents'' perspective, to be developed with their significant participation.
As part of the project, we carried out survey studies on the functioning of public transport and open meetings with residents interested in the topic. These analyses revealed the poor quality and accessibility of transport in the city, with the main shortcoming being the lack of consultation and information from local decision makers.
A key aspect of the project was also the establishment of a Citizens'' Resolution Initiative Committee, which worked to improve the traffic situation in the city. The committee drafted two citizen resolutions and conducted a fact-checking exercise on the issue
Project target groups included passengers and potential passengers on public transport, local authorities, estate councils, the Senior Citizens'' Council, NGOs and the media.
Through diagnostic surveys, public discussions and debate, we were able to make residents aware of the need to improve public transport.
The number of people involved significantly exceeded the planned number, reaching as many as 2,825 participants. Thanks to the public awareness campaign and information activities, the number of people involved in initiatives reached 29,500. Support for draft citizens'' resolutions was also achieved and the number of advocacy initiatives and statements related to fact-checking activities was increased.
Unfortunately, it was not possible to convince the municipal authorities, who rejected the citizens'' draft resolutions. However, residents'' attitudes towards the topic of public transport have changed, which is a long-term effect. It is also worth noting that the project has provoked a social and political reaction, suggesting the possibility of further measures to improve public transport.