Background

The National Community Livability Survey is part of a research study titled “Transit’s Contribution to Livability in Rural Communities: Exploration Method and Materials”. The primary objective is to conduct a national random sample survey of adults to:

• Ascertain the general nature of livability and satisfaction with quality-of-life.
• Explore the role of public transit in differing urban/rural contexts in the United States.

The national survey is the first of its kind. The research team prepared for the national survey by conducting a series of in-depth community case studies. The research team studied residents and public transit riders in six communities: Bath, ME; Hannibal, MO; Woodburn, OR; West Columbia, TX; Dickinson, ND; and Valley City, ND. Community case studies also included interviewing local leaders and stakeholders.

The research team expresses sincere gratitude to each individual who has participated in the study by completing a survey.

Research Team

The research is a collaborative study between the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI), part of the Texas A&M University System, and the Small Urban and Rural Transportation Center (SURTC), part of North Dakota State University’s Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute. The principal investigator for TTI is Jonathan Brooks, Assistant Research Scientist, Transit Mobility Program. Mr. Brooks’ colleagues at TTI include Dr. Luca Quadrifoglio, Chris Simek, Ipek Sener, Jitendra Jain, and Linda Cherrington. The principal investigator for SURTC is Dr. Ranjit Godavarthy. Dr. Godavarthy’s colleagues at SURTC include Dr. Jeremy Mattson, Del Peterson, and Dr. Jill Hough.

The primary point-of-contact for the study is Jonathan Brooks. Contact Mr. Brooks by phone 1-713-613-9206, email [email protected], or mail 701 N Post Oak Rd, Suite 430, Houston, TX 77024.

Research Sponsors

The research team recognizes the invaluable support of the following organizations who funded the study:

• National Center for Transit Research (NCTR), Center for Urban Transportation Research, University of South Florida (NCTR is a U.S. DOT University Transportation Center).
• The State of Texas (TTI is a state agency and received state funds for the study).
• Small Urban and Rural Livability Center (SURLC), Western Transportation Institute, Montana State University (SURLC is a U.S. DOT University Transportation Center).

Study Status and Timeline

The National Community Livability Survey is in active data collection. Data collection began in April 2017 and will conclude in July/August 2017. The research team aims to deliver findings in September 2017. Documentation will come in the form of a research report, webinar, and infographic formats.

Deliverables will be made available in several web-based locations, including on this web page.

Disclaimer

The research team is responsible for the accuracy of all study materials. The subject-matter and findings do not necessarily reflect the official view or policies of the United States Department of Transportation’s University Centers Program.