Transportation 2035 - State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning

December 2012APPENDIX BSURVEY RESULTSFor twelve months beginning in 2007 and ending in 2008, RI Statewide Planning’s Transportation Section conducted a Transportation 2030 survey. The surveylink was posted on the website and administered online through SurveyMonkey. In addition, staff received written responses obtained through public outreachevents that were incorporated into this analysis. A total of 135 responses were received.Almost one half of the respondents were 25 to 39 years of age with most of the remaining balance older. Over seventy percent (70%) have incomes above themedian. Sixty-six percent (66%) were male and almost all white (93%). Only two percent (2%) indicated some kind of mobility related disability. Sixty-fivepercent (65%) own two or more vehicles. Thirty-three percent (33%) have one vehicle. Most use their private automobiles as their primary means oftransportation. They also indicated that they drive alone up to 20 miles per day because it is the most convenient form of transportation and the least timeconsuming.For the people who have indicated they use transit, it is a fifty percent split for work and recreation as the purpose (which could possibly be attributable to theProvidence Newport Ferry). Affordability and environmental friendliness are the major reasons for utilizing this mode. Most of their trips begin with a fiveminutewalk to the bus stop, and the ride for fifty-eight percent (58%) of them takes 15 to 45 minutes. The three top vote getters in what would get them touse transit more often: 1. transit ran more often, 2. commuter rail from outlying points to Providence, 3. did not have to transfer.Eighty-nine percent (89%) of walkers are doing so for recreation and fitness, but eleven percent (11%) are actually going somewhere. The majority walks 1 to 3miles per day, predominantly for exercise. Cyclists are riding for recreation or fitness (ninety-five percent of the respondents) for two miles or less, and theyare riding on a bike trail or around a neighborhood.We asked people to rank funding priorities for the future while showing them a pie chart of where the monies are invested now. They chose the followingranking.1. Commuter rail and sidewalks (tied).2. Bus, trolley, and special needs services.3. Bike paths and lanes.4. Pavement management.5. Bridge maintenance.Transportation 2035 (2012 Update)State Guide Plan Element 611Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program B-1