Evaluation Questions for Rural Transportation Programs

A key component of designing an evaluation is identifying evaluation questions and determining which questions should be answered through the evaluation. Examples of evaluation questions for transportation programs are provided below. For additional information about process and outcome evaluations, please see Evaluation Design in the Rural Community Health Toolkit.

Questions for a Process Evaluation

What transportation services are offered and who receives them?
What were the barriers and challenges that affected implementation of transportation services?
What partners facilitated the implementation of the program?
How did community members or clients perceive the program?
How did staff members perceive the program?
What are some key lessons learned for future implementation?

Questions for an Outcome Evaluation

Did community members or clients report any changes to their knowledge, awareness, attitudes, or beliefs?
What programmatic or policy changes have occurred in state or local jurisdictions as a result of the transportation program?
Has the program helped to improve access to healthcare, food, physical activity, social activities, or other services for the population?

Resources to Learn More

Planning and Evaluation
Website
Provides rural transit programs information on service planning and evaluation, working with governing boards and community members, strategies for garnering public buy-in, and federal and state requirements for transit development plans.
Organizations(s): National Rural Transit Assistance Program

Sample Transportation Survey Questions
Document
Presents sample survey questions on transportation needs, safety, barriers, costs, and modes of travel useful for evaluating transportation programs.
Organization: National Aging and Disability Transportation Center