The Inclusive Cities: Communities of Solidarity Project, implemented by the Humanitarian Association of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (HARTT) under UN-Habitat's Territorial Intervention Plan (TIP), sought to improve mobility, social inclusion, and access to community resources in the Chaguanas and Longdenville communities through technology-driven transportation solutions and community engagement. The project centered on the development and rollout of D'Corner, an innovative public transportation application designed to connect drivers and passengers within an informal transport network while improving access to services and community spaces.
The project achieved several measurable outcomes. HARTT recruited and trained field researchers who conducted 380 community surveys, exceeding the initial target of 300 participants by 27 percent. Survey findings revealed that 35% of respondents experienced difficulties accessing transportation during the day, while 32% reported challenges at night, highlighting significant mobility barriers within the community. Additionally, 83% of respondents expressed support for technology-based transportation solutions, demonstrating strong community readiness for innovation. Survey data also showed that 56% of passengers travelled during peak morning hours (5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.), providing important insights for future transport planning.
Beyond technology development, HARTT engaged stakeholders including the University of the West Indies Transportation and Urban Development Committee, government officials, drivers, and community members to strengthen local ownership of the initiative. The project also produced a bilingual community mapping catalogue identifying schools, health centers, recreational facilities, and transportation routes to improve accessibility for residents, including migrant populations.
Overall, the project enhanced community knowledge of transportation patterns, increased citizen participation in urban planning processes, and established a foundation for a more inclusive, efficient, and connected public transportation system in Longdenville and Chaguanas.