Maine Partnership Connects Transportation Design and Public Health

Maine's Public Health in Transportation (PHiT) Coalition is enabling public health and planning professionals to combine efforts and build healthy communities. Formed in 2011, PHiT works to build awareness of the relationship between transportation design and health; and to stimulate actions that result in improved health and safety. PHiT is comprised of a wide range of planning, public health, and non-profit advocacy organizations, each with unique and complementary skill sets.

This article highlights to of the coalition's success stories and offers resources for connecting public health and planning objectives:

• The Lakes Region Explorer, offering transit options for rural areas. The Coalition successfully promoted the Explorer, and worked to expand service locations.
• A "Complete Streets" event in Westbrook, Maine drew 200 residents out to experience their Main Street without vehicle traffic.