The objective of this study was to provide the Alabama Department of Transportation with an evaluation of the intercity bus industry in Alabama so that recommendations concerning 'Governor's certification' of Section 5311(f) funds can be made. Governor's certification refers to a decision as to whether intercity bus service needs in the state are being met adequately. If the needs are not being met adequately, then 15% of FTA 5311 (rural transit) funds must be diverted from 5311 rural transit providers to be spent on intercity bus service. If needs are being met adequately, then the Governor can submit a Governor's certification and not divert the funds from 5311 providers to intercity bus service. The 'Governor's certification' considers unmet intercity bus needs but can also consider other unmet rural transit needs in the state. Thus, needs of both intercity bus systems and the 5311 rural transit providers in the state can be evaluated. The study team observed that the number of locations served by intercity service decreased between 1995 and 2001, that many bus stops need upgraded facilities, and that a low percentage of bus routes in Alabama are profitable. Study of the 5311 rural transit system within Alabama concluded that 17 counties in Alabama have no 5311 service and that services provided fulfill more basic needs than those provided by intercity bus service. Based on these observations and the unmet needs of 5311 rural transit in Alabama, it appears that the 'Governor's certification' that intercity bus needs are met adequately is reasonable. However, such certification in no way diminishes Alabama's desire and need for high-quality intercity bus service.
Alabama Transit-Intercity Bus Study for the Alabama Department of Transportation
2002
77 pages
Report
No indication
English
Road Transportation , Transportation & Traffic Planning , Economic & Community Development , Bus transportation , Intrastate transportation , Bus lines , Buses(Vehicles) , Public transportation , Services , Facilities , Operating overviews , Financial overviews , Rural areas , Urban areas , Alabama , Funds , Evaluation , Intercity bus industry , Governor's Certification
Transportation Profile: Alabama
NTIS | 2002
South Alabama Regional Transportation System
NTIS | 1972
Engineering Index Backfile | 1930
Engineering Index Backfile | 1898