BACKGROUND

To improve quality of service, transit agencies are looking at establishing transit-priority lanes and other initiatives that require modification of existing street configurations. These include bus-ways, bus lanes, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), light rail, and streetcar services.  Modifying streets can engender significant opposition from elected officials and the public. Planning and proposing changes without obtaining community buy-in and support can lead to public hostility and misunderstanding of the benefits of public transportation. However, some transit agencies and communities are developing more thoughtful, multi-dimensional strategic approaches to communicate and present the need for reimagined transit services to obtain support for these initiatives.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this research is to develop effective communications strategies to engage public support in the planning and implementation of transit priority projects that improve transit service quality and mobility and increase transit ridership. The research should explore successful communications strategies within public transportation and other sectors.  

STATUS

The research is complete and the final report has been released as TCRP Report 208.