Theme 2: Where do you want to go?
To know what we should do NEXT, we need to understand where you want to go now.
After Theme 1 asked about transit barriers, Theme 2 was all about understanding the gaps. Where do you need to go that transit doesn’t take you now? Or, where do you need to go that transit could take you… but just isn’t doing enough? We visited communities across the County, we invited you to chat with us online, and we engaged in mapping exercises together.
The public engagement themes are shown below within the overall NEXTransit timeline. This phase is described in more detail under the timeline.
We asked and you answered.
“Are there trips that you'd like to take via public transit, but can't currently make?
Where would you start this trip? Where would it end? What connections do you need?”
Your participation is much appreciated!
You told us what you value most.
Affordable
Affordability ranked highest amongst all responses as the top priority. Transit must be priced to allow all riders to afford the cost and to support the frequent use that many of you rely upon.
Efficient
You have schedules to keep, and you expect the same from your transit service. You need to know that trains and buses will arrive when expected so you get where you need to be, when you need to be there. Your time is valuable.
Accessible
You recognize that public transit should be safely and comfortably available to all. In a region full of hills, there are enough challenges in getting around. Getting to or entering public transit shouldn’t be one of them.
Sustainable
Transit connects us to jobs, schools, neighborhoods, and social connections. You want your transit system to be sustainable both in minimizing its impact on the surrounding environment, and ensuring the system itself is built to last and endure so that the connections you need now continue to be available in the future.
Equitable
You know that our region is built and supported by many hands, from many places and walks of life. You want transit to be a force of equity that connects riders to opportunities and leaves no one stranded.
You shared your transit stories in neighborhoods across the County.
Virtual Meetings
A series of 6 virtual meetings were hosted in August via Zoom, and broadcast on our Facebook and website pages as well. In each meeting, a 30-minute informational newscast was followed by breakout room discussions organized loosely by geographic area. Participants discussed and mapped out places in the north, east, south, and west quadrants of the County as well as through the center. If you missed our NEXTransit newscast, the recorded videos are still available on our Facebook page.
Online Surveys
We got 1536 responses to our online survey! From August 10 through October 1, the survey was available and advertised on buses, at stops, in local media, through social media, and more. Of those who responded, 79% were riders and 21% were nonriders. Where do you want to go most? You told us Downtown Pittsburgh, Oakland, and inter-neighborhood connections top your travel list.
Pop Ups
From August to October, we held 29 in-person events. We brought our pop-up tents to grocery stores, bus stops, parks, libraries, farmers markets, and more. Did you stop to check out our giant 6’ tall map of the County? Our team (properly masked!), was happy to talk to you, dive into the details of places and connections you thought were missing or underserved, and share more paper surveys for those who prefer the analog way.
Check out our Facebook and Twitter feeds for more recaps of what we heard. We’ve posted a lot of the lessons learned in communities visited: McKeesport, Shadyside, McKees Rocks, Northside, Crafton/Ingram, Oakland, East Liberty, and more!
What did we learn?
You shared where there are places that transit serves, but doesn’t go enough.
“Last bus leaving the area into downtown Pittsburgh leaves at 7:40 AM. That’s too early. Need midday service, as well.”
You shared where street conditions or other infrastructure make it difficult to take transit.
“You do not know when a bus is rerouted due to construction and can miss it if a stop has been moved or be delayed due to a detour.”
You shared where transit routes exist, but you can’t get to them easily.
“The mini bus service was eliminated; older population cannot get off the hill. You have to walk quite a distance to get where the bus service is running.”
You shared where transit routes don’t take you at all.
“Penn Hills: getting from one part of Penn Hills to another is impossible.”
You shared big ideas too!
“Look at a BART model with circulator systems that don’t pull all buses into downtown. Create transit transfer centers transit centers near destinations, parking, and multiple routes, then limit buses into Downtown. Expand the free fare zone to the transit transfer stations.”
— Respondent at a Northside grocery store
“Bring back the old 24 route that connected McKees Rocks to Ingram, Windgap, and Crafton, then run it on the busway to end in Carnegie.”
— Respondent at the Crafton/Ingram shopping plaza
“There needs to be a more direct route from Oakland to North Hills.”
— Respondent at a Shadyside grocery store
Who responded?
We appreciate your ideas!
Our riders gave some amazing feedback, and some non-riders gave good insights about what is missing that keeps them away. Many of you had positive experiences to share also - which tells us what is working well and what to continue!
Did you miss these events?
No worries!
As we enter Theme 3: How Can Transit Get You There?, we are starting to propose new expansion areas that respond to your needs. There are plenty more opportunities to speak up, share ideas, follow our progress, and get involved.