2006 Transit Passenger Demographic Survey

In the fall of 2006, MTC initiated a Transit Passenger Demographic Survey of the region’s fixed route transit riders. The purpose of this study was to better understand the demographic characteristics (age, gender, income, household size, and ethnicity) of transit passengers who use the fixed route services provided by thirteen major transit providers and seven additional smaller operators within our region. This survey included the collection of data on a variety of transit modes (such as bus, ferry, and train) during various on and off-peak times, from a diverse cross section of transit users, including those who do not speak English. An outside consulting firm was hired to conduct the survey.

MTC staff has made presentations on study progress, including the sampling plan, fieldwork, and the tabulations, to our Minority Citizens Advisory Committee, Elderly and Disabled Advisory Committee, and Transit Finance Working Group. These same three advisory groups also provided comments on the study design and survey wording during the project’s initial tasks. In addition, staff and the consulting team presented the Phase 1 findings to the Programming and Allocations Committee of MTC.

Phase 1 covers transit riders during the period between 6 am and 9 pm, which is when most transit users make their trips. The fieldwork for Phase 1 began on October 24, 2006 and was completed on March 31, 2007.

The full final report for Phase 1 covers the following areas:

• Research method and survey protocol used;
• Demographic profile of the region’s transit users;
• Disaggregated demographic data by geographic sub-region, and by transit system;
• Detailed responses by individual transit system;
• Appendices include comprehensive tables of all of the project’s sampling and cross tabulations.
  

Phase 2 surveys nighttime transit riders who use the system between 9 pm and 6 am. The fieldwork for Phase 2 began on April 10, 2007 and was completed on June 30, 2007.