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encouraged to engage in activities such
as ranking or indicating their transit
preferences. Depending on the stage
of the project, participants should be
encouraged to either envision the type
of transit service they would like or re-
view recommendations that have been
developed based on data analysis and
public feedback.
POP-UPS
"Pop-up" events meet the public where
they are, such as bus stops or rail sta-
tions and at festivals and shopping cen-
ters. Tis includes engaging the public
with a visible presence through branded
outreach materials and information-
al boards that can provide details of
the project. Staf can also be equipped
with mobile tablets loaded with digital
surveys to promote the project and col-
lect a signifcant amount of participant
feedback. Pop-up events attract partic -
ipants who ofen would not otherwise
contribute, including non-transit riders,
low-income and minority communities,
and those with language access barri-
ers. Small giveaways for participating
and children's activities can be used to
encourage feedback.
ONLINE CROWDSOURCING
Increasingly, community members are
logging in online to voice their opinions
about transit service. Harnessing this
energy through a crowdsourcing web
site is convenient for many participants
and allows transit agencies to interact
and pose questions, display images and
engage people in short polls and stated
preference activities.
COMMUNITY-BASED MEETINGS
When a transit agency partners with a
community group, faith-based organi-
zation, or social service agency, it can
obtain feedback from a diverse audience
sanctioned by organizations people trust.
Tese discussions can either be led by
transit agency representatives or by com-
munity leaders as a way of community
empowerment. Tese informal discussion
sessions are a great way of receiving input
from underrepresented populations.
Te public outreach process is a great
way to gain feedback and collect useful
planning data, however, it should be just
one component in an on-going conver -
sation. Developing and implementing an
outreach program can also be fun and
creative, refecting the unique character
of your community.
Community-based meetings provide
a way of receiving input from
underrepresented populations.