Continuing Research
SURTC Explores Potential for Express Bus Commuter Service
Nearly 50 percent of commuters surveyed indicated they would use an "express" bus for their commute between Fargo-Moorhead and Wahpeton-Breckenridge.
The survey was conducted in cooperation with the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governments at the request of Clay County Rural Transit. The proposed service is similar to routes between Detroit Lakes and Barnesville and Fargo-Moorhead.
"As the economic landscape in both Fargo-Moorhead and Wahpeton-Breckenridge changes and evolves, we're seeing more commuters and a greater exchange of workers and commerce between the two areas," notes Del Peterson, the SURTC researcher who conducted the survey. "There are a number of hurdles to overcome, but the survey gives excellent background for area transit planners to build from." The final report on the survey will be available late this summer or early fall.
The biggest hurdle was the availability of transportation back to Wahpeton-Breckenridge in the event of an emergency. When assured of a ride via taxi or some other means, nearly 50 percent of the 60 respondents said they were likely to use the service.
The survey found that most people travel between Wahpeton-Breckenridge and Fargo-Moorhead for employment, with more than 30 percent working in North Fargo. Most respondents followed the traditional 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. The survey found that potential riders were concerned that the bus would not fit their schedule, would be inconvenient or too costly. Nearly 90 percent were willing to wait only 15 minutes or less for bus transfers.
Information from the American Automobile Association shows that a daily commute between Wahpeton-Breckenridge and Fargo-Moorhead costs about $1,000 per month. That cost has increased as gas prices have risen in recent months. Respondents were asked if they would use an express bus service if the monthly fare was between $100 and $150 and the daily fare was between $7 and $10; only 13 percent of the respondents said they would not use the service. About 25 percent said they would use the service and 38 percent said "maybe" and another 25 percent said they needed more information.
High gas prices and an evolution in demographics and business in North Dakota may revive interest in vanpools.
 SURTC and the North Dakota Department of Commerce are exploring the feasibility of establishing vanpools across the state. "We're going to look at how this concept has changed since North Dakota last had an aggressive program in the late 70s and early 80s," says Jon Mielke, the SURTC researcher leading the project.
Today there are federal incentives for vanpooling programs, including funds from the Federal Highway Administration for no-interest loans for purchasing vans. Tax law has changed to allow employees to use pre-tax flexible spending accounts for transit expenses.
"The economic landscape of North Dakota has changed as well," Mielke notes. "We have major employers like Pro-Gold, Dakota Growers Pasta, Marvin Windows and others that have facilities located in relatively small communities and that draw employees from a large surrounding area. We also have employees choosing to live in rural areas and commute to larger communities for employment. Those factors lend themselves to ride sharing."
The study will survey employers across the state to learn about employment trends and employer attitudes toward ride sharing. Furthermore, researchers will survey employees to assess their openness to ride sharing. SURTC staff will also meet with representatives from agencies that could provide additional incentives for vanpooling.
Mielke managed the North Dakota DOT's vanpooling program in 1979 and 1980. "I went to the Department of Commerce and asked if there was interest in and incentives for vanpooling in the state. It turns out that, yes, there is interest and there are more incentives than there used to be."
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