Transit Survey Results

As part of the transit review process, an online survey was completed in spring 2011 to collect input on:

• Why people use or don’t use the service
• How the service is used
• Ways the service could be improved

The input received through this survey provides the City with valuable information for planning for the future of this service.

The online survey was targeted at people using or interested in using the service. People self-selected to participate. Input was received from close to four hundred people. Of those who responded, 47 per cent identified as ‘current users’ of the system, 39 per cent as ‘non-users’, and 13 per cent as ‘former users’. Two separate sets of questions were used in the survey: one targeted at users and another at non-users or former users. When questions overlapped, the results were very similar between the two groups.

Highlights from the results include:

• Survey participants overwhelming are supportive of public transit and view it an essential municipal service and as a component of an effective local economy
• The majority of riders have access to a personal vehicle and are choosing to use the service
• Over three-quarters of non-users/former-users indicated they would consider using the service if it better met their needs.
• The most dominant theme in the results was the need for greater flexibility. This includes additional hours of operation and route destinations. Targeted expansion opposed to widespread expansion of service will address most concerns raised.
• Destinations identified most frequently as priorities for future service were West Edmonton Mall and to a lesser extent Stony Plain.
• While results suggest higher demand exists for a strong regional service with connections mid-day, weekends and evenings to/from Edmonton, a core group of respondents is interested in seeing improved local service.
• Options for participating in the U-Pass program in a way that does not result in cost increases for other riders need to be considered.
• The outcomes of the City’s transit review should seek to reinforce its current rider base while building on the potential that exists to expand this base.

Spruce Grove’s transit service is supported by a small population. Improvements to this service need to be carefully planned and budgeted for to ensure the system remains financially viable.  The results of this survey will help with understanding the needs of our riders and prioritizing future service. The City is committed to transit service however evolving this service will take time and significant resources. Community members are asked to be patient as this process occurs. 

View the complete transit survey results