Critical Factors in the Development of Transit Systems in Rural Arizona

01051012005Final ReportPDFTech ReportFHWA-AZ-05- 530SPR-PL-1-(59) 530CoordinationCost recoveryFinancingMultimodal transportationRural transitRural transportationNeeds assessmentPlanningPolitical factorsPublic participationRural transitTechnical assistancePlanning and ForecastingPublic TransportationSocietyArizonaUnited StatesUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationMoise, DavidKelly, KipArizona. Dept. of TransportationUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationUS Transportation CollectionThe report's findings indicate seven factors that influence rural public transit systems. The factors that were reported by the survey recipients match relatively closely with the predominant literature: 1) Showing need and demand is the most important factor in creating a rural public transit system; 2) Funding is the major barrier; 3) Citizen participation and support is very important to the process; 4) Political and/or city council support is important; 5) Expert or technical help is necessary; 6) Fare box recovery rate is important; and 7) The ability to connect with other modes of transportation is important. Within the literature, the study found that there are many other barriers to an effective rural public transit system. Coordination almost always seems inadequate, although difficult because of the inherent needs of the rider, such as a special needs rider that cannot be accommodated by a regular van provided by a transit partner. Also, many times there is mention of the "true costs" of establishing a system or the difficulties of obtaining funding or working with a local department of transportation. Especially interesting are the inherent difficulties experienced by the Indian tribes in providing service on the reservations and meeting the requirements to obtain funding.78