Posts categorized under "Publications"
2024 Rural Transit Fact Book Published
SURCOM has published an updated edition of the Rural Transit Fact Book. This publication is intended to serve as a national resource for statistics and information on rural transit in the United States. The Fact Book includes rural demographic and travel behavior data as well as financial, operating, and fleet statistics and performance measures for agencies receiving Section 5311 funding. In addition to national level data, statistics are presented by state, FTA region, tribe, and mode, as well as other agency characteristics.
The Rural Transit Fact Book presents data from the National Transit Database (NTD) and rural demographic and travel data from the American Community Survey. The publication can be downloaded at the SURCOM website.
For more information about the Fact Book, contact Jeremy Mattson at jeremy.w.mattson@ndsu.edu.
SURCOM Researchers Contribute to National Publication Focused on Mobility Access
SURCOM researchers Jill Hough, Jeremy Mattson, and Del Peterson were contributors to the July-August 2023 issue of TR News focusing on Transportation Accessibility. TR News features articles on innovative research development activities in all modes of transportation and is produced by the Transportation Research Board (TRB), a program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
- Hough co-authored "Addressing Transportation and Accessibility for All," the lead article that focused on innovations and their applications in settings that make transportation for people with disabilities easier or, at times, possible for everyday living.
- Peterson was co-author of "Mobility for All," which outlined gaps in collecting and interpreting data on mobility and looks at solutions that result in inclusive mobility.
- Mattson and Hough were co-authors of "Breaking Barriers to Healthy Food and Healthcare," which suggests that good nutrition and prompt healthcare may outweigh the cost of transportation services, especially in rural areas.
In addition, Hough was co-editor of the issue and worked closely with TRB editorial staff to identify articles, authors and reviewers and assemble the publication.
Hough is director of UGPTI's Small Urban and Rural Center on Mobility. Mattson and Peterson are researchers in that center.
Research Report – Comparing Public Transportation Services for Rural States in the Upper Midwest and Great Plains Region
A new report from SURCOM compares the level of public transportation services provided in North Dakota to those of the surrounding states of South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Greater Minnesota. Separate analyses are performed for rural and urban transit. This involves an analysis of the level of service provided, measured in terms of geographic coverage, service availability, number of vehicles in use, and vehicle hours and miles of service; the amount of service consumed, measured in terms of ridership; the level of investment from different sources; and measures that evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of service. The analysis also considers the varying levels of need throughout the region. Overall, North Dakota performs well by some measures and not as well by others, but the level of service in the state is generally comparable to what is found in surrounding states.
The full report and executive summary can be found at the link below:
For more information, contact Jeremy Mattson at jeremy.w.mattson@ndsu.edu.
Research Report – Effects of Bicycle Facility Characteristics and the Built Environment on Bicycle Use: Case Study of Fargo-Moorhead
A new study published by SURCOM developed a level of traffic stress (LTS) map for Fargo-Moorhead (ND-MN) and used crowdsourced bicycle use data from the fitness app Strava to show relationships between the built environment and bicycle use. The LTS map is useful for showing how friendly and encouraging areas are toward bicycle use, as well as for showing the connectivity of low-stress pathways. The bicycle ridership model shows how the development of bicycle facilities and other changes to the built environment are associated with bicycle use, as measured using crowdsourced count data. The results of the bicycle use model show that the existence of bicycle facilities is positively associated with bicycle use.
The full report, executive summary, and video summary can be found at the link below:
For more information, contact Jeremy Mattson at jeremy.w.mattson@ndsu.edu.
Research Report – Food Access and Food Delivery Service: An Exploratory Study for the Role of Public Transportation During the COVID-19 Pandemic
A report published by SURCOM examines the role that public transportation played in delivering food and providing food access during the pandemic. Transit ridership decreased dramatically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, many agencies started a food delivery service. This study conducted two national surveys of transit agencies to evaluate food access before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic and the negative impact of the pandemic on transit operations and service. Results indicated transit agencies are highly interested in enhancing food access by providing food delivery and are eager to support the local food system. Several transit agencies provided food delivery years before the pandemic as one of their operational services to meet certain people’s needs, and many began providing food delivery during the pandemic.
The full report and executive summary can be found at the link below:
For more information, contact Jill Hough at jill.hough@ndsu.edu or Jeremy Mattson at jeremy.w.mattson@ndsu.edu.
Veteran Mobility and COVID-19
A new report from SURCOM examines how the COVID-19 pandemic affected veterans living in small urban and rural communities. Nearly five million veterans live in rural communities, representing 57% of Veterans Administration (VA) health care enrollees. COVID-19 cases and deaths among rural veterans have increased at a faster rate compared to veterans in urban areas according to Johns Hopkins University (2020). They also found that delayed COVID-19 testing contributed to a higher rate of cases in rural areas compared to urban areas.
The primary objective of this research was to identify veterans affected by COVID-19 who live in rural areas and have mobility needs and to quantify the cost of transportation options for meeting these needs. Secondary objectives included analyzing the role of telehealth and how the pandemic has affected mobility and isolation among veterans in rural America.
The full report, executive summary, and video summary can be found on the SURCOM website.
For more information, contact Del Peterson at del.peterson@ndsu.edu.
2022 Rural Transit Fact Book Published and Web Apps Updated
SURCOM has published an updated edition of the Rural Transit Fact Book. This publication is intended to serve as a national resource for statistics and information on rural transit in America. The Fact Book includes rural demographic and travel behavior data as well as financial, operating, and fleet statistics and performance measures for agencies receiving Section 5311 funding. In addition to national level data, statistics are presented by state, FTA region, tribe, and mode, as well as other agency characteristics.
The Rural Transit Fact Book presents data from the National Transit Database (NTD) and rural demographic and travel data from the American Community Survey and the National Household Travel Survey. The publication can be downloaded at the SURCOM website.
SURCOM has also updated two web tools – the Rural Transit eTool and the State of Good Repair Web App. The Rural Transit eTool is a web app that presents data from the Rural Transit Fact Book, and the State of Good Repair Web App provides information about the status of the current rural transit fleet across the country and predicted replacement and funding needs.
For more information about the Fact Book, contact Jeremy Mattson at jeremy.w.mattson@ndsu.edu, and for more information about the web apps, contact Dilip Mistry at dilip.mistry@ndsu.edu.
Research Report – Travel Behavior of Transportation-Disadvantaged Populations: Trends and Geographic Disparities
A new report from SURCOM examines travel behavior and mobility of transportation-disadvantaged groups, including trip rates, miles driven, mode shares, and other behavior, by analyzing data from the National Household Travel Survey (NHTS). The study also examines trends in travel behavior, by comparing results to data from 2009 and 2001. The data reveal significant differences in travel behavior based on age, disability, income, and geography. Older adults, people with disabilities, and those with low income are shown to drive less and make fewer trips. Those in rural areas are more reliant on the automobile, and while they drive more miles, they take fewer trips per day on average. Results also show a continuation of trends, including a narrowing of the gender gap for older adults, a decrease in overall trip rates and miles driven, and an increase in transit mode shares. Understanding trends in the travel behavior of transportation-disadvantaged populations in rural areas and other geographic contexts is important for understanding how well the mobility needs of these populations are being met and for informing policy and transportation investment decisions.
The full report, executive summary, and video summary can be found at the link below:
Travel Behavior of Transportation-Disadvantaged Populations: Trends and Geographic Disparities
For more information, contact Jeremy Mattson at jeremy.w.mattson@ndsu.edu.
SURCOM Publishes Papers on Transit and COVID-19
SURCOM has published two studies on transit and COVID-19. Both projects were lead by PhD students and were based on analyses and surveys conducted in the summer and fall of 2020. The first study examined public opinion toward transit during the COVID-19 pandemic by analyzing social media posts on Twitter. Results showed how the discussion regarding public transit changed during the first several months of 2020. The study used a technique called topic modeling, and it shared lessons learned while applying this method.
The second study also examined public opinion, as well as changes in rider behavior and transit agency response. This was accomplished through two surveys. First, a survey of transit riders and the public was conducted to examine response to the pandemic. 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.
The two studies can be found at the links below:
- Using Topic Modeling to Identify Public Opinion on Public Transportation During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Surveys of Transit Riders and Agencies During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Research Report – Tribal Transit Study: Demographic Needs Indicators, Funding Needs, and Livability
A study published by SURCOM analyzes the geographic, demographic, and transit related data in tribal communities, with a focus on federally recognized tribes in the lower 48 states. The geographic and demographic characteristics of a given area directly affect transit. Tribal lands are mostly rural with low population densities. Moreover, the share of the population often described as transit dependent, which includes seniors, people with disabilities, those with low income, youth, and households without automobiles, is often higher for tribal areas. This study also explored the concept of livability and transportation’s role in improving livability. Two case studies were conducted with Standing Rock Reservation and Makah Tribe to understand the factors that residents think are important for livability, describe the quality of livability factors within these communities based on residents’ perceptions, and explore how transit and other transportation factors contribute to livability.
The objectives of this research are to study the demographics of tribal communities that relate to transportation needs, describe and evaluate existing tribal transit operations and funding, and examine the role of transit in livability and quality of life in tribal communities in the United States.
Results from the study have shown that tribal areas have a disproportionately higher percentage of some of the transit dependent population groups. Across tribal areas, 28% of the population is below the poverty level, which is twice the U.S. total of 14%. The number of tribal transit systems and level of service has increased the past two decades as federal funding has increased, though the number of agencies and ridership levels have plateaued since 2015. Results from the two tribal community case studies showed many areas in which livability could be improved, most notably affordable housing, available jobs, and quality healthcare.
The full report, executive summary, and video summary can be found at the link below:
Tribal Transit Study: Demographic Needs Indicators, Funding Needs, and Livability
For more details, contact Ranjit Godavarthy at ranjit.godavarthy@ndsu.edu.