Mass Transit

NOV 2014

Mass Transit magazine features agency profiles, industry trends, management tips and new product information.

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NOVEMBER 2014 | MassTransitmag.com | Mass Transit | 31 ® 800 359-4913 • STERIFAB.COM For more information, visit www.MassTransitmag.com/10066741 For more information, visit www.MassTransitmag.com/10719358 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.

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