A Fast-Changing
Mobility Landscape
An Analysis of Public Transit Agency Survey Results
#TransitTrendsTalk
Eno recently analyzed the results of a survey of public transit officials done by private-sector operator, Transdev, and several key themes emerged.
Cities, states, and metro areas throughout the United States are going through a period of profound change and transition that is having enormous impacts on public transit.
Demographic + Cultural Changes
Transformative Technology
Declining Ridership
Economic Changes
#TransitTrendsTalk
So, how are transit agencies thinking about these changes?
What notable challenges do they identify?
What are their key areas of focus?
What's on the horizon and how are they thinking about their changing industry?
Notable challenges in the next three years include a lack of resources; primarily funding and workforce needs.
Identified lack of resources and funding as the most pressing transit challenge organizations will face in the next three years
61%
Funding challenges were reported as a particular concern for small agencies and those that provide paratransit services.
Funding is their primary concern.
Identified challenges related to retaining, developing, and attracting agency workforce
12%
Workforce concerns are notable.
This included both hiring vehicle operators, as well as concerns around succession planning and finding experienced transit professionals to fill vacancies expected as more senior management personnel reach retirement age.
Did you know?
70%
of the transit workforce overall is estimated to be over 40
of bus operators
That includes...
of bus maintenance operators
75%
90%
Key Concerns Over the Next Three Years
Key areas of focus for transit leaders are customer service and providing new mobility options to increase ridership.
Customer satisfaction is a primary driver of whether or not people choose public transit over other travel options. Transit agencies are focused on improving the customer experience to lure riders.
98%
Likely to improve the passenger experience including safety/security
93%
Likely to deepen customer service culture (courtesy, empathy)
67%
Focus on seamless end-to-end customer journeys (strong connections, modal integration)
Agencies are looking at a number of ways to move forward.
62%
Redesign bus service & routing
71%
interested in open data on mobility
How They Might Improve Passenger Experience
80%
interested in using data science to learn about customers
32%
Improve service gaps & expand hours
80%
Deploy a diversity of payment channels
Public transit ridership is declining in almost every major urban area in the United States. Many agencies cite competition from TNCs as a reason for this decline, but there is also evidence that they can decrease car ownership and potentially increase reliance on transit.
-5.8%
transit ridership decline from 2014-2017
92%
Likely to take actions to increase ridership (Transdev Survey)
70%
Respondents are interested in working with TNCs in providing on-demand ride hailing or ride sharing services
Declines in Ridership Drive New Partnerships
Exploring New Technology
Interested in offering on-demand first/last mile solutions to connect passengers to transit
68%
First Mile/Last Mile
Interested in developing MaaS to give passengers a single place to plan, book & pay for all mobility services
74%
Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS)
Envision using autonomous vehicles for first mile/last mile solutions
53%
Autonomous Vehicles
Respondents want to provide passengers with a digital platform with all in one functionality
88%
Transformative Technology
Overall, agencies are both anxious and optimistic about changes brought about by new technologies.
Transit agencies appear to be concerned about their own agency's ability to keep up with the fast pace of technological change in transportation: both from a budgetary and workforce perspective. At the same time, leaders recognize they are operating in an increasingly digital world. They are committed to being active participants in new mobility and harnessing new technology to focus on their core mission of serving their customers.
ABOUT THIS INFOGRAPHIC
Transdev commissioned Ipsos to survey U.S. public transportation authorities to better understand the effects of the changing mobility landscape. Eno prepared an independent report based on those results, A Fast-Changing Mobility Landscape: An Analysis of Public Transit Agency Survey Results. The data in this infographic is based on that report and all citations can be found within.
