Surveys of Transit Riders and Agencies During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study examines public opinion toward transit during the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in rider behavior, and responses by transit agencies. This was accomplished through two surveys. First, a survey of transit riders and the public was conducted to examine response to the pandemic. It focused on the use of public transit and strategies that transit agencies could employ to increase post-pandemic ridership. This survey was conducted largely of transit users in the Fargo-Moorhead (ND-MN) metro area but also included responses from around the country. Results showed that many had reduced or stopped their usage of transit. While respondents were generally satisfied with the response of transit agencies and felt that their health was being protected, many also gave recommendations for what transit agencies could do to increase their likelihood of using transit. Second, a survey of transit agencies was conducted to identify how they were impacted by COVID-19. This survey focused on rural and small urban systems, and most responses were from North Dakota. Results show the substantial decrease in ridership and revenue, the challenges faced by transit agencies, and the actions taken.

• Record URL:
  https://www.ugpti.org/resources/reports/details.php?id=1043
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/59792
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute

  Small Urban and Rural Center on Mobility
  North Dakota State University
  Fargo, ND  United States 

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Molina, Antonio
  • Malalgoda, Narendra
  • Taleqani, Ali Rahim
  • Mattson, Jeremy
  • 0000-0002-0826-5834
  • Ezekwem, Kenechukwu
  • Askarzadeh, Taraneh
  • Hough, Jill
• Publication Date: 2021-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 28p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: COVID-19; Public opinion; Surveys; Transit operating agencies; Transit riders; Travel behavior
• Subject Areas: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01780669
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: SP-188, SURTCOM 21-09
• Files: UTC, NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 30 2021 2:46PM