Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission and WinFred MPO Regional Commuter Survey Southeastern Institute of Research, Inc.

Purpose & Methodology Information that was collected: Demographics and commuting patterns of Northern Shenandoah Valley (NSV) commuters who commute 20+ minutes to and/or from work. Experience with and perceptions of ridesharing alternatives. Employer specifics and transportation-related services and benefits offered at work. Communication preferences and media habits. Experience with and perceptions of the RideSmart website. 15 minute phone interview 600 respondents were collected

8 Key Findings

There is a big opportunity to increase the use of alternative modes 1

The expansion of Winchester Transit bus routes into Frederick County and Stephens City (route to LFCC) The expansion of Winchester Transit bus routes into Frederick County and Stephens City (route to LFCC) Key Action Item

The most important considerations for commute mode are time and cost. The most important considerations for commute mode are time and cost. 2

A commuter calculator has been added to the RideSmart website, so that commuters can easily track cost savings through utilizing other methods of transit. A commuter calculator has been added to the RideSmart website, so that commuters can easily track cost savings through utilizing other methods of transit. Key Action Item

Less than half of respondents are happy with their commuting experience, especially long-distance commuters. Less than half of respondents are happy with their commuting experience, especially long-distance commuters. 3 Southeastern Institute of Research, Inc.

These commuters can be reached through more community outreach events such as commuter appreciation days, bike to work day, and employer outreach. These commuters can be reached through more community outreach events such as commuter appreciation days, bike to work day, and employer outreach. Key Action Item

Very few individuals are taking advantage of carpooling and vanpooling, but the majority of commuters are familiar with them. Very few individuals are taking advantage of carpooling and vanpooling, but the majority of commuters are familiar with them. 4 Southeastern Institute of Research, Inc.

Future marketing efforts need to focus on the benefits of car/vanpooling as well as how easy it is to sign up. Marketing ridesharing as not just a method of saving money, time and the planet, but as a positive experience. Future marketing efforts need to focus on the benefits of car/vanpooling as well as how easy it is to sign up. Marketing ridesharing as not just a method of saving money, time and the planet, but as a positive experience. Key Action Item

The two greatest barriers to carpooling and vanpooling today are not having ride matches, and not having a regular job schedule. The two greatest barriers to carpooling and vanpooling today are not having ride matches, and not having a regular job schedule. 5 Southeastern Institute of Research, Inc.

Expand the Guaranteed Ride Home Program for those who work within the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Expand the Guaranteed Ride Home Program for those who work within the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Key Action Item

Respondents are not familiar with RideSmart services. Respondents are not familiar with RideSmart services. 6 Southeastern Institute of Research, Inc.

Highlight RideSmart services through radio, internet, and print advertisements, instead of just saving money, time, and the planet. Highlight RideSmart services through radio, internet, and print advertisements, instead of just saving money, time, and the planet. Key Action Item

Rideshare services are not widely offered among employers Rideshare services are not widely offered among employers 7 Employees are most interested in these services Southeastern Institute of Research, Inc.

Present info on RideSmart services at employee events, and distribute employer brochure Present info on RideSmart services at employee events, and distribute employer brochure Key Action Item

The optimal way to reach prospects is to use radio and online media The optimal way to reach prospects is to use radio and online media 8 Southeastern Institute of Research, Inc.

Creation of Twitter, Facebook, Pintrest, and Alignable profiles, as well as a Google Adwords account Creation of Twitter, Facebook, Pintrest, and Alignable profiles, as well as a Google Adwords account Key Action Item