Public Transportation Models for Rural Communities

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) defines public transportation as:

“Regular, continuing shared-ride surface transportation services that are open to the general public or open to a segment of the general public defined by age, disability, or low income.”

Public transportation can be a critical link to participation in civic and social life. This is particularly true for older adults who do not drive, people with disabilities, people without access to a personal vehicle, and young people without a driver's license. Access to public transit can reduce social isolation. Access to public transportation can also increase an individual's independence, particularly for those with limited mobility who live alone.

Fixed-route bus systems are the most common form of public transportation in the United States. Other types of public transportation include, for example, trains and subways, commuter rails, light rails or trams, trolleys, and ferry boats. In rural areas, however, fixed-route services may not always meet the needs of residents. They do not operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and residents who have mobility limitations or who do not live or work near bus stops may be unable to access bus routes. For this reason, transportation options in rural communities also include ridesharing, volunteer models, mobility on demand, and mobility management models.

Expanding public transportation systems increases access to public transit, reduces vehicle miles traveled, improves traffic safety, and reduces emissions. Public transportation systems also increase physical activity because people will walk or bike to and from public transportation. To support those who walk or bike, rural communities may also need to ensure that transit plans include safe, wheelchair- and bicycle-friendly pedestrian access to bus stops or other transportation hubs. Improved integration between bikes, pedestrians, and transit systems can improve safety and reduce reliance on traditional forms of transportation. Examples of integration include bike storage options at transit stops, bike racks on transit buses, and bike or pedestrian paths or routes leading to transit stops. These strategies can also improve access to rural areas for tourists interested in visiting rural communities or small towns for recreation opportunities. Public transportation incentives can increase use. Public transportation services in rural communities typically receive a significant amount of funding from the FTA. FTA funding sources used in rural communities may include:

Formula Grants for Rural Areas (5311) funds are available to support public transportation in rural areas with fewer than 50,000 residents.
Tribal Transit Formula Grants (5311c) provide funding for public transportation services on and near tribal land in rural areas.
Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (5310) formula funding which are apportioned to rural areas via their state Department of Transportation and can be used for buses, vans, wheelchair lifts, and technology systems, as well as nontraditional funding like mobility management programs, vanpooling, volunteer programs, and improving safety features.

Examples of Public Transportation Models

Mountain Rides Transportation Authority offers bus routes connecting multiple rural towns in Blaine County, Idaho. A free town bus provides year-round services to 2 communities, a deviated fixed route is offered for another community, and a commuter bus provides connecting services between 4 communities. In addition to the bus routes, Mountain Rides offers vanpool, carpool, a Safe Routes to School program, and special needs demand-response services.
County of Kauai Transportation Agency operates a fixed-route public bus service for residents of rural Kauai County, Hawaii. In addition to a fixed-route service, the agency also offers door-to-door bus service for qualifying senior residents and individuals with disabilities.
Marble Valley Regional Transit District offers a public transportation system to residents of Rutland County, Vermont and the surrounding area. Services consist of fixed-route bus stops, a free Medicaid transportation program, connector services, and “flag down” stops — areas where bus drivers will stop for passengers at an unmarked location if they feel it would be safe to do so.
Mountain Empire Transit provides demand response services to residents of several rural counties in southwestern Virginia. There is a fee for using the transit service, with a discounted rate for persons over age 60 or under 18.
To ensure passengers with disabilities or mobility issues are able to access public bus services, Bay Area Rural Transit (BART) of northern Wisconsin introduced wheelchair lifts on all of its buses and designated seating in the front of the bus for elderly passengers and those with disabilities. Riders with specific accessibility needs can contact the BART office directly and speak with a mobility manager specialist to ensure their needs are met.

Considerations for Implementation

FTA funding may require matching funds from the local community, based on the grant. The federal share for 5311 grants is 80% for capital projects, 50% for operating assistance, and 80% for paratransit. For 5310 funds, the federal share cannot exceed 80%. Finding matching funds can be challenging for local communities. However, the match can be in-kind resources from the community rather than cash, so it may be worthwhile for communities to identify alternative sources for the local match.

Fixed-route services may not meet all transportation needs. For example, if residents need to work a night shift or attend appointments outside of normal transit hours, they may not be able to depend on traditional public transit services. Rural communities may need to supplement public transit with other transportation models. Rural communities should consider how all transportation models complement — or compete with — one another. For example, ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft have the potential to complement existing fixed route services.

Program planners may need to build partnerships with a variety of nonprofit and corporate partners to ensure the success of public transport changes or improvements. For example, large employers in the area may be interested in supporting access to public transit to facilitate transportation to work for their employees. Support from partners can also help subsidize routes to other parts of the community. Partners are also important for providing input on strategy, design, and implementation.

Residents who are unfamiliar with public transportation may have a fear of using public transit services, like being unsure if the bus will arrive, how long they will wait for it, or how to navigate and use the service. Communities may consider public education campaigns to address these concerns. Installing clear signage, schedules, or other markers at transit stops can also help increase awareness of and familiarity with transit services. Attractive, well-lit stops can also make transit services appear safer and more appealing to a range of potential users.

People with visual or auditory impairments may experience challenges in using public transit services. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides requirements for accessibility that public transit agencies must follow. Accommodations can include:

Installing pedestrian signals that emit noises and offer visual cues to indicate the signal has changed to “walk”
Ensuring there are well-placed and usable crosswalks near transit stops
Providing signage, route maps, and other information in formats other than print
Ensuring bus stops are consistently placed across the transit system (for example, always placed just before the corner or just beyond the corner)

Resources to Learn More

ADA Toolkit
Website
Helps rural transit providers ensure they are complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Describes ADA requirements by service type and specific mobility accommodations.
Organization(s): National Rural Transit Assistance Program

Bicycle and Transit Integration: A Practical Transit Agency Guide to Bicycle Integration and Equitable Mobility
Document
Outlines best practices for integrating bicycles in bus, rail, and ferry transit options. Covers the benefits and challenges of bicycle integration, and ensuring equitable mobility for vulnerable populations.
Organization(s): APTA Standards Development Program
Date: 2018

National Public Transportation Safety Plan
Website
Explains federal standards for safety and performance of transit operations. Offers guidance to transit providers on measures that can be enacted to improve public safety.
Organization(s): Federal Transit Administration

Toolkit for the Assessment of Bus Stop Accessibility and Safety
Document
A guide to improve accessibility, placement, and design of bus stops compliant with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guideline (ADAAG) requirements. Covers developing a system-wide accessibility plan, inventorying bus stops, and advocating for improvements.
Organization(s): National Aging and Disability Transportation Center, Easter Seals Project ACTION
Date: 2014