Description

The theory and practice of rural transit service design has changed dramatically since the 1990s. Innovations in service designs and technology have driven these changes. Unfortunately, many rural systems are still operating 1990s services and losing out on potential ridership. The developments over the last five years tell us it is time to think in the year 2024 and use the combination of proper service design/planning and the appropriate technologies to enhance service, improve ridership and raise the stature of your system. This introductory workshop, part of a series on rural transit service design, is focused on the basic theories that drive ridership in rural and small urban areas. All of the designs reviewed are proven in the rural transit world and many examples in Texas and across the country will be cited. The workshop will give the participants an understanding of the most appropriate 2024 service designs/options. Each of the service designs will be discussed in the context of the wide variety of service areas. The last part of the workshop will include an exercise where participants will be able to apply what they learned in the presentation. The present-er will select an example of a real rural system and have all the participants review the service and apply the lessons learned in the session.