Dissemination Methods for Rural Transportation Programs

Rural communities can use different communication channels and activities to share information about their transportation programs. The most appropriate approaches will depend on the goal of the dissemination activities, the messages delivered, and the intended audience. Common methods of dissemination for different audiences may include:

Materials and Products

• Fact sheets, brochures, posters, and flyers about the program
• Newsletters with program information and updates
• Monthly, quarterly, and annual reports of program outcomes
• Presentation slides
• Webinars
• Project/evaluation manuals
• Peer-reviewed journals and newsletters, such as:
  • Transportation Science
  • Transport Policy
  • International Journal of Sustainable Transportation
  • Journal of Transport & Health
  • American Journal of Public Health
  • Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice
  • Journal of Rural Health

Media

• TV and radio, including public service announcements and program advertisements
• Social media, including Facebook and Instagram
• Local print media, including articles and advertisements
• E-mail newsletters

Meetings and Conferences

• American Planning Association Conferences and Learning
• Community Transportation Association of America EXPO
• National Regional Transportation Conference
• National Conference on Rural Public & Intercity Bus Transportation
• National Rural Transit Assistance Program Conferences
• National Summit on Rural Road Safety
• National Rural Intelligent Transportation Systems Conference

Federal Agencies and National Organizations

• National Rural Transit Assistance Program
• Federal Transit Administration
• U.S. Department of Transportation
• National Center for Mobility Management

Resources to Learn More

Guide to Good Statistical Practice in The Transportation Field: Chapter 5 – Dissemination of Information
Document
Highlights important principles for disseminating transportation data and statistics. Includes information specific to creating publications, micro data releases, and source and accuracy statements.
Organization(s): U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Date: 5/2003

Marketing Transit Toolkit
Website
A guide for rural and tribal public transportation managers and agencies to assist them in developing and implementing a marketing plan to promote their transit systems. Includes examples of marketing strategies, statistics on the benefits of public transit, and templates and copyright-free visuals for marketing materials.
Organization(s): National Rural Transit Assistance Program