Shore Transit is embarking on a public transit needs assessment and system design study to improve
transportation in Worcester, Somerset and Wicomico Counties.
PROJECT GOALS
The goals of this study is to identify the most efficient, effective, and inclusive way to design a public transit system that meets the needs of the Tri-County Council’s residents. This includes ensuring equity and opportunity while maintaining sustainability within fiscal and resource constraints.
This study will provide Shore Transit with the opportunity to better understand the needs of its ridership, as well as the needs of our Areas of Persistent Poverty (AoPP) and historically disadvantaged populations who may or may not currently use transit services within the region.
PROJECT TIMELINE
PROJECT TASKS
Phase 1 – Service Evaluation and Needs Assessment
We’re gathering information on existing service conditions to establish the current state of Shore Transit service. The service evaluation will extend over the three-county region and will pay special attention to service in Areas of Persistent Poverty (AoPP) and Historically Disadvantaged Community (HDC). We’re conducting a rider survey to identify service gaps and areas that need better bus routes and stops. The foundation of the Needs Assessment will be the input and opinion gathered from the rider survey.
Phase 2 – Transit System Redesign Options and Transfer Point Relocation and Site Evaluation
This phase includes a comprehensive evaluation of Shore Transit’s five fixed routes, Shore Access ADA paratransit and Shore Ride demand response service will be performed, and route improvements will be suggested. Based on the data from the Service Evaluation, recommendations for a proposed transit system redesign will consider the Areas of Persistent Poverty (AoPP) within the region, as well as cater to the needs of medically vulnerable individuals, senior citizens, low-income earners, and persons with disabilities.
Data from the Service Evaluation (Phase 1 ) and trip purpose origin-destination data will guide the evaluation of suitable locations for the Shore Transit bus transfer point. This will allow for selecting the best location to relocate the main bus transfer point in Salisbury.
Phase 3 – Technology and Communications Integration
This study will evaluate existing technologies and communication methods with opportunities that align with service change recommendations to ensure everyone, especially those in disadvantaged Areas of Persistent Poverty (AoPP) and Historically Disadvantaged Community (HDC) populations, can easily access transit information and services.
Phase 4 – Health and Human Services Transportation
Poverty, which is often generational, recurring, or persistent, remains a harsh reality for far too many individuals and families. This phase of the study will focus on developing innovative strategies, offering actionable recommendations, fostering community engagement, and spearheading implementable projects to help improve the transportation options available to meet the needs of the HDC populations such as the medically vulnerable, senior citizens, low income, and disabled populations.
QUESTIONS or ADDITIONAL FEEDBACK ABOUT THE PROJECT SHORETRANSIT.EXPLOREMORE@WRALLP.COM