Quality of Life Indicators
Category Name:
Mobility & Convenience Data
Public transit is critical to our economy and traffic congestion; surveying access to affordable and reliable transportation, alternative transit and transportation mode split indicates an effective transportation system with a diversity of options.
bus ridership -- updated 5/31/11
transportation mode split -- updated 11/22/11
air traffic -- new 6/11
bus ridership -- updated 5/31/11
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Reducing congestion is an enormous task and requires innovative response. RTC Access paratransit door-to-door service provides an invaluable service to the elderly and those with disabilities; while RTC Transit buses serve residents, students and regional visitors. Since so many trips are work related, the bus system is critical to our economy.
Public transportation is often the only option for low-income workers to keep jobs and get to services or appointments. It is an important part of the transportation mix to help improve our air quality.
transportation mode split -- updated 11/22/11
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The 2030 Regional Transportation Plan has the following mode split goal: Draft 2030 Regional Transportation Plan
non-auto modal split will be 3% by 2012; 4% by 2020; and 6% by 2030.
According to the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey from 2004 to 2010, there was a 4% reduction in the number of car, truck, or van drivers who reported driving alone. However, at the same time, the number who reported carpooling decreased 1.72%, and the number reporting using public transportation reduced 47%, reflecting the economic downturn. In the future, it would be interesting to identify the percentage of residents who live within 1/4 mile of an RTC public transportation bus stop who ride the bus to work. Over 76.8% of Washoe County workers 16 years and older drove to work alone in 2009, while 5.8% worked at home.
In TMT’s December 2007 community survey of Washoe County residents, 14% responded being dissatisfied vs. 65.2% satisfied with their access to reliable transportation; however, 19.8% responded being dissatisfied vs. 55.2% satisfied with their access to affordable transportation. When asked what barriers prevent them from using the public transportation system, 25.8% reported convenience/proximity of bus stops, followed by 6.2% knowledge of bus routes, 3% no service/access, 1.8% safety, 1.6% time, 1.6% health, 1% money/cost, and 0.4% don’t like; while 51.8% reported no need for public transportation.
air traffic -- new 6/11
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Infrastructure to move goods and passengers plays as important a role as regional roads and rail transport. Both passenger numbers and cargo pounds moved through the Reno-Tahoe International Airport increased slightly in 2010.
