Input sought on county transit plan
FORT WALTON BEACH – The Transit Development Plan process has formally kicked off in Okaloosa County, and residents are encouraged to visit www.TransitSurvey.org take the bus transit survey. Here, residents can voice opinions about services and priorities for Okaloosa, South Walton and Navarre – helping guide and improve the future of public transportation for the community.
This survey is conducted by the Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), on behalf of Okaloosa County and Okaloosa County Transit. A TDP is required of each transit agency receiving state funding from the Florida Department of Transportation. Results from the TDP survey provide information to planners on everything from travel patterns to identifying support for local transit services and priorities.
“As we embark on creation of the 10-year transportation plan, it is critical that we utilize public feedback to help guide these efforts. Together, we can identify the strongest road map, direction and vision for public transportation services here locally,” said Lani Birchett, transit coordinator and grants manager. “We’re asking all residents to get involved and make a lasting mark on their community – a mark that will impact transportation for the next decade.”
The survey is intended for both riders and non-riders throughout the area. Residents can also visit TransitSurvey.org to learn about TDP updates and upcoming public events.
The study, conducted by the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR), will take approximately six months to complete and will result in a 10-year plan, with final recommendations presented to the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners and the Okaloosa-Walton TPO. The survey component will be available for public participation through May 2011.
To sign up for TDP updates, visit TransitSurvey.org. To request a hard copy of the survey, contact Lani Birchett at 609-7003 or email okaloosa@transitsurvey.org.
