A city’s transportation network is its cardiovascular system – a multifaceted structure that enables the continuous flow of people and goods through its arteries.
Debrief’s public engagement work has helped public transportation leaders in rural areas make informed decisions on travel improvements that prioritize rider well-being. This article highlights three (3) insights from our engagements.
1. Route services should expand to fringe communities in rural areas, with stops at consumer and resource hubs.
Riders express the need for better access to consumer hubs. Expanding route services, defined as increased bus frequency, greater distance, and more stops, were requested to communities and locations on the outskirts of city centers.
For elderly riders, disabled, and those with special needs, doctor visits are more frequent. Given that rural areas are often healthcare deserts, bus travel can be inconvenient. Therefore, transit authorities should consider streamlining travel to medical stops while ensuring fares are affordable for those with their fixed incomes.
2. Bus travel can be safer and more comfortable by embedding inclusive elements at the different stages of the rider journey.
We identified two (2) stages in the rider journey: pre-departure, and traveling to a destination.
Pre-departure: riders find it difficult to read bus maps, accessing support in different languages, the lack of shade and lighting at stops, and the inability to know real-time bus arrival information. This results in a less-than-desired experience before travel begins.
Travel to a Destination: riders desire an inclusive and comfortable experience, such as more available storage, especially for those who travel with small children, as storing strollers and luggage makes riding more difficult.
3. Better communication is needed to bridge the gap between perception and reality.
Riders appreciate the work that transit authorities do to make travel more accessible, but in some cases, their perceptions have not aligned with reality.
For instance, the most common adverse experience was not knowing if buses ran late. Yet, riders in our engagements were unaware of bus apps that detail arrival and departure times up to the minute.
This suggests that transit authorities should keep the community informed of all system changes and continue their efforts to improve public perceptions. They should be open to feedback, making it clear how riders can file complaints and make recommendations.
