Researchers Participate on Rural Transportation Panel

Two SURTC researchers were part of a panel discussion on rural transportation issues at the annual Transportation Research Forum at the Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., March 21-23.

Gary Hegland presented results of a research project on transportation needs of the disadvantaged in North Dakota. In the study, Hegland and Jill Hough gathered information on how disadvantaged individuals use public transportation and their evaluations of existing services. The information will help transportation planners in the state focus on areas where service needs to be improved or expanded. Results of the study were presented in the previous issue of The Transit Lane.

Hough discussed a study of rural road users' needs in North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana. In that study Hough and Hegland compared rural road users' perceptions of roads with decision makers' perceptions. Information will be used to help county commissioners, engineers and others involved with maintenance and improvements on rural roads better communicate with and meet the demands of rural road users.

Hough is director of the SURTC. Hegland is an associate research fellow. The annual Transportation Research Forum features presentations on transportation research and advances from university and industry professionals. The Transportation Research Forum is an independent organization of transportation professionals. Its purpose is to provide a forum for the discussion of ideas and research techniques applicable to economic, management and public policy problems involving transportation.

Hegland Offers Survey Tips at Montana Transit Association Meeting

Transit professionals attending the annual Montana Transit Association meeting in Great Falls, Mont., received a short course on using surveys from SURTC research associate Gary Hegland.

"Surveys can provide extremely valuable information about riders, customers, vendors and employees," Hegland says. "But to get that information you need to spend the time and money to plan and conduct the survey correctly."

Hegland has conducted research on rural roads and transit systems using surveys. He offered tips for proper survey design and use at the meeting, April 12-16. He plans to present the information as a technical workshop via the TEL8 System. Check the SURTC website for upcoming training.

SURTC Publishes DTA Newsletter

With the spring issue, the Dakota Transit Association newsletter gained a new name and a new publisher, SURTC. The "Dakota Transporter" will continue to highlight opportunities, issues and ideas that will be useful to transit agencies across North and South Dakota. SURTC director Jill Hough and research fellow Gary Hegland are serving as editors. Within the next several months, newsletter will be available on the Web and distribution may eventually move to e-mail to improve timeliness and efficiency.