What we heard in phase 1

During the first phase, our team talked to residents in greater Minnesota to learn how they currently use transit and how it could better meet their needs. We attended six pop-up events throughout the state, held two meetings with the RIDE Advisory Task Force, hosted a community listening session with representatives from 15 organizations, and received feedback from more than 600 survey respondents. Below is a summary of what we heard:

• Availability: The most common reason people cited for not using transit was the lack of options or limited availability. Existing riders also identified limited availability as their biggest challenge.
• Convenience: Many people mentioned that transit is too inconvenient and time-consuming for them to use regularly. Current users also highlighted these challenges, noting how time-consuming and difficult it can be to reach their destinations when they rely on transit.
• Personal vehicle preference and negative perception of transit: Many people prefer driving their own vehicle due to the flexibility it provides. Public transit is also often perceived as a service only for those who are not able to drive or have lower incomes. Some suggested that shifting this perception could increase usage and investment to public transit services.
• Needs for an aging population: Older adults worry about how they will get around as they age and can no longer drive. People shared fears about isolation and the negative impact on personal well-being if they do not have a form of public transit to access errands, social opportunities, and other personal needs.
• Access to healthcare: More public transit options are needed to better connect smaller communities and individuals who cannot drive to healthcare and appointments. While some services exist, issues with reliability and lengthy time commitments are challenging.
• Connection to other cities: Many expressed an interest in expanded transit services, sharing that they would use public transportation more often if there were additional routes and service times to better connect them to other cities and the Metro area.
• Reliance on volunteers: Individuals who are unable to drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle depend on volunteer driving programs for medical appointments and daily necessities. However, limited volunteers and rising costs make these programs increasingly difficult for both riders and organizers.