AG 1999 06 21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chapter 5 Conclusions and Recommendations The results from the analyses, meetings, surveys, and public workshops described in the earlier chapters of this final report lead to some conclusions and recommendations regarding the foundation for and interest in providing scheduled bus service in the Cabarrus/South Rowan MPO area. In summary, there is both need and support for several scheduled routes and implementation for the opening of the Concord Mills Mall (September 1999), or at the latest, July 1, 2000, is desirable. The following sections briefly describe our collective conclusions and the mutually developed recommendations for service funding and implementation. Conclusions The first major conclusion is that there is a clearly demonstrated need for scheduled bus service, particularly for essential trips such as social services, medical and shopping. Further, Department of Aging survey respondents indicated a willi~gness to use scheduled services in lieu of their current dial-a-ride type services. Additional c~vidence of this potential is that Rowan Transit reports that they have more requests for trips to the Concord and Kannapolis areas than they can effectively serve. Four routes have been described that, together, provide a strong level of service to medical, social service, education, shopping, employment and higher density housing within the dynamic north-south corridor from China Grove to the new Concord Mills Mall. The routes also connect with the recently inaugurated service connecting with Charlotte. Based on community reaction, these routes are a reasonable beginning for an initial service plan for scheduled operations. Hours of service were discussed and it appears that there is good support for longer hours of weekday service (primarily to support shift workers) and weekend service for recreational trips. While such service is more typically provided by ~-,:,~ch larger and more mature systems, this may be one of the service parameters revisited early in the process and particularly if a private sector sponsor can be found. Recommendations We have several recommendations for beginning service ~d for securing the necessary funding to begin and operate the routes. This is, basically, a proposed implementation plan for the recommended routes. It should be emphasized th,~ these routes and their schedules, though initially defined, are but the starting points for eft, ::tire and responsive customer service. The initial routes should be periodically surveyc to better understand customer 54