Market Research Projects

Sacramento Regional Transit, Sacramento, CA (2006)

Multi-component market segmentation study which included the following elements:

• Survey of 200 RT paratransit users conducted by telephone to evaluate satisfaction with paratransit services and to measure usage and potential usage of fixed route services among the disabled population.

• On-board Survey of 2300 light rail and bus riders from throughout RT’s extensive service area.  The study provided a detail profile of RT riders and an in-depth evaluation of passenger satisfaction.  It allowed for the comparison and contrast of riders who use light rail, bus and a combination of services.

• Community telephone survey of 2000 households within the RT service area.  This survey is stratified into five geographic areas to allow for comparison of urban and various suburban populations.  The survey investigates transit usage and potential usage, as well as the population’s attitude towards transit benefits and funding.

Champaign Urbana Mass Transit District, Champaign-Urbana, IL (2006)

Multi-component market research study in conjunction with a Mobility Implementation Plan (with Transit Resource Center).  This study includes:

• On-board passenger surveys on local and campus bus routes.

• Focus groups with transit users and potential users.

• Personal interviews with employers, educators and other key informants.

• Internet surveys of students at the University of Illinois  and Parkland College.

• Internet surveys of commuters at major worksites throughout the Champaign-Urbana area.

KCATA, Kanasas City, MO (2005)

On-board Passenger Surveys on Fixed Route and BRT Lines.

Conducted on-board passenger surveys on KCATA's local fixed route and MAX bus rapid transit services.  This was a baseline survey which will be replicated every two years to track changes in rider characteristics and satisfaction.

Ride On, Montgomery County, MD (2005)

On-board Passenger Surveys.

Conducted two surveys of Ride On passengers.  The first was a general customer satisfaction survey to provide input to marketing efforts.  The second specifically explored fare issues among riders of targeted routes. 

Intercity Transit, Olympia, WA (2005)

On-board Customer Satisfaction Survey, Market Segmentation Study, and E-Mail Commuter Survey.

Conducted this multi-part study to provide Intercity Transit with detailed demographic, behavioral and attitudinal profiles of current and potential users of public transportation and other alternate commute modes. 

Beeline, Westchester County, NY

Origin-destination survey in conjunction with a comprehensive service review (2003)

Collected information about nearly 10,000 Beeline passengers including detailed information about bus stops where they boarded and alighted.  The demographic and transit usage data will be used to compile a database which will allow Beeline to profile riders by route, neighborhood or specific bus stop.

Golden Empire Transit, Bakersfield, CA (2003)

Community Telephone Survey and On-board Survey.

Conducted user and non-user surveys to provide input to GET's marketing and planning efforts.

Lane Transit District, Eugene, OR (1999 AND 2004)

Conducted comprehensive on-board surveys of 6000+ transit users. Collected detailed data regarding origin-destination, travel profile, customer satisfaction, desired service improvements and demographics.  Tracked changes in demographics and customer satisfaction over time.

LAVTA, Livermore, CA (2003)

Conducted community Telephone Survey, Fixed Route Passenger Survey, Phone Survey of Dial-a-Ride users and Marketing Plan.  This extensive research effort provided information for the development of LAVTA's marketing plan as well as for staff's use in updating the system's SRTP.

CATA, Little Rock, AR (2002)

Telephone Survey, On-Board Survey, Focus Groups, Key Informant Interviews

Conducted a comprehensive market research study to explore the attitudes of transit users and voters in Pulaski County, Arkansas.  The study includes key-informant interviews with a wide variety of community and business leaders, focus groups with non-riders, a general public telephone survey and a self-administered on-board survey.  Providing marketing consultation regarding ridership development and funding issues.

PeopleMover, Anchorage, AK (2001)

On-Board Survey, Telephone Survey, Marketing Plan.

Planned and conducted an on-board survey and community telephone survey as part of a comprehensive operations analysis with RLS and Associates.  Followed up with the development of a Strategic Marketing Plan.

Hartline, Tampa, FL (2001)

On-Board Survey, Focus Groups

Planned and supervised an extensive on-board survey for Tampa’s transit system.  Conducted focus groups with transit employees, riders and non-riders.

Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission, Woodbridge, VA  (2001-3)

Telephone Survey, On-board Passenger Surveys, Fare Study

Conducted telephone and on-board surveys to access utilization, public awareness of and demand for four transportation services.  Recently completed a customer survey, which will include both qualitative and quantitative components,  to identify optimal fare structure and media for PRTC’s OmniLink and OmniRide services.

Big Blue Bus, Santa Monica, CA (2000)

On-board Survey (as component of a Line by Line Analysis with First Transit)

Conducted an on-board survey as part of a line by line analysis with First Transit.  Collected data regarding customer usage characteristics, demographics, satisfaction and fare preferences.

Chatham Area Transit (CAT), Savannah, GA

On-board Survey, Community Wide Survey (2000)

Focus Groups, Executive Interviews, Community Wide Survey (1995)

Evaluated transit usage and attitudes towards transit use among the general public.  Developed a profile of current users including attitudes, behavior, demographics and customer satisfaction.  Assisted CAT in the development of appropriate marketing strategies.