November 3, 2006

CONTACT: Jenna Reedy, Business Development Manager
Day: 849-0708
Fax: 848-4853
Email: jreedy@rabbittransit.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            

SURVEY SAYS...THEY'RE TIRED OF TRAFFIC: rabbittransit’s MARYLAND COMMUTER SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN

York, PA – Respondents from more than 60 municipalities, including seven outside of York County, participated in rabbittransit's online Maryland Commuter Survey. A total of 450 individuals provided feedback about their daily commutes and expressed interest in alternative transportation to Maryland. Of those commuters, 253 preferred the option of express bus service and 58 elected vanpooling as their new mode of transportation. Despite fluctuating, and often escalating, gas prices, traffic was the number one reason identified by 342 participants as their greatest cause for anxiety when commuting.

The survey also revealed the three most popular destination points, which included, 124 Industry Lane in Hunt Valley (61 respondents), the general vicinity of Hunt Valley (67) and downtown Baltimore via light rail connection points (155). Almost half of the respondents (242) begin their commutes from Southern York County while the remainder is divided between East York (78), North York (53), South York (50) and the city (30). Regarding Park-and-Ride facilities, Shrewsbury topped the chart as the most popular choice (199), followed by Queensgate (123), K-Mart (114), and rabbittransit’s new Hop-a-Ride Lot off Exit 24 of I-83 (78).

“This is an interesting time for rabbittransit. State transit funding is facing a crisis, while the demand for transit services is at an all time high,” comments Richard Farr, rabbittransit's Executive Director, “As the area’s population continues to grow, transit must play a larger role in improving the quality of life, connecting individuals to employment and recreation, and connecting one community to another.” 

If funding can be obtained, rabbittransit would like to see the service begin sometime in 2007. “We are excited about the findings from the Maryland survey and look forward to working with our planning partners, business interests and community leaders to make service to Maryland a reality,” says Farr. For more information on the survey results, please visit www.rabbittransit.org.

MD Survey Results Press Release: PDF | Word

rabbittransit, York County’s public transportation system, provides a variety of transportation services to the residents of York County. Nearly 6,000 people depend on rabbittransit each day to get to work, medical facilities, school and other life-sustaining activities. rabbittransit is dedicated to helping all York Countians get to where they want to go.