NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Nov. 8, 2023
Survey seeks information about Intercity Transit passenger demographics and travel patterns
Olympia, WA – Intercity Transit updates its Title VI program every three years in compliance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements. Intercity Transit must comply with these requirements as stated under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs, including public transportation.
The Olympia-Lacey urbanized area (UZA) has surpassed 200,000 residents, which changed Intercity Transit’s designation to a large urban transit agency starting Oct. 1, 2023. FTA requires large urban transit agencies to take additional steps to comply with Title VI, which includes conducting passenger surveys to understand customer demographics and travel patterns in conjunction with Intercity Transit’s Title VI plan update.
What does the survey ask?
In addition to the required Title VI questions about ethnicity, income and primary language, the survey includes questions that will help us get to know our riders better. By taking the survey, customers can share their thoughts on issues, including:
- Smartphone ownership.
- Origin and destination information.
- Service usage including how long a commute trip takes.
- How best to communicate news and information to customers.
We will be gathering information from at least 500 bus riders between Monday, Nov. 13 and Sunday, Nov.19. Passengers will be asked to complete a written survey while they ride buses or wait at transit centers, bus stops, transfer stations, and park & rides. The information provided will be part of Intercity Transit’s 2024 Title VI plan update as required by the FTA. The plan will ultimately be reviewed for comment and approval by the Intercity Transit Authority.
Customers who complete the survey will receive a $5 Starbucks gift card.
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For More Information: media@intercitytransit.com