Transit’s Contribution to Livability in Rural Communities

A rural scene “US 9 North of Red Hook, NY” by Daniel Case

If you are a resident of Bath, Maine; Hannibal, Missouri; or Woodburn, Oregon and you came to this page trying to find the livability survey, please visit the appropriate link below:

• BATH.livabilitysurvey.com/
• HANNIBAL.livabilitysurvey.com
• WOODBURN.livabilitysurvey.com

PHASE 1 DELIVERABLES

Technical Memorandum 1. Literature Review: Transit and Livability in Rural America

Technical Memorandum 2. Pilot Case Study Findings and Phase 2 Outreach Plan

STUDY SPONSOR

Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) partnered with University of South Florida’s National Center for Transit Research (NCTR) to win a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Tier 1 Livable Communities University Centers Program award. The award funds research projects investigating the contribution of transit to livability in both urban and rural contexts. TTI leads the rural-focused research project. The study is funded in part by TTI agency funds (State of Texas funds) and USDOT federal funds.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE

The research objectives are to (1) evaluate the contribution of transit to livability in rural America using a selection of case study communities and (2) create practical tools for rural transit stakeholders to use to evaluate livability and the role of transit in local contexts. Transit is one of many factors that influence livability of rural areas in the United States. Some rural communities do not have public transit services of any kind, while others operate a wide variety of services. The demographic, social, and economic fabrics of rural communities also vary widely.

The study is a three phase study. Phase One, concluded summer 2015, was to conduct a pilot case study of a rural community to verify outreach design. The pilot case study was West Columbia, Texas. Researchers interviewed stakeholders and conducted surveys of the public and transit riders. Phase Two, currently underway, is to conduct additional community case studies of transit and livability. Phase Three, to be conducted in 2016-2017, will be a national survey of public opinions regarding livability and transit in rural areas.

The ultimate objective of the research is to develop a guidebook with accompanying exercise materials of immediate benefit to transit agencies, rural communities, and policy-makers in their efforts to engage in local dialogues about community livability and public transit.

CASE STUDY APPROACH

The case study process includes a survey of the public and transit riders as well as stakeholder interviews. A random sample of households will receive a survey packet in the mail. The packet will include a letter invitation, survey form, and postage-paid return envelope. The survey will also be available online. Agency/stakeholder interviews will be conducted in-person, by phone, or by email (preference of stakeholder). There is no financial obligation to the case study communities or transit agencies and the case studies are entirely funded by TTI agency funds and USDOT federal funds.