Listed below are brief summaries of the studies, plans, surveys and evaluations conducted by Valley Regional Transit since its formation in late 1998. To access these documents, move your cursor to the projects/studies link to the right. A fly-out menu of the documents will appear. Click on the topic that you are interested in.
Completed projects/studies
Downtown Boise Mobility Study
The purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive approach to mobility within downtown Boise and for people traveling from, to and through the downtown area.
Regional Operations and Capital Improvement Plan
Valley Regional Transit (VRT) has completed work on a regional operations and capital improvement plan. All regional services in Ada and Canyon counties, including VRT’s bus operations in Boise, Garden City, Nampa, Caldwell and intercounty service, and ACHD Commuteride were evaluated and modified to maximize these services within current budgets. This plan defines and provides the foundation and direction for expansion of services as budgetary considerations change in the future. Information gained from the plan will be incorporated into VRT’s long-range goals.
Transit Development Plan (TDP)
A technical study by Weslin Research Inc. has been completed. Weslin helped Valley Regional Transit develop a vision for public transportation in the Treasure Valley.
Rail Corridor Evaluation
The Rail Corridor Evaluation was completed in April 2003. URS/BRW evaluated a rail corridor and estimates of costs, and other variables to pursue this service.
5-Year Strategic Plan
In November 2002, the ValleyRide Board of Directors approved a five-year strategic plan. The plan is the result of months of hard work that included an extensive schedule of workshops, stakeholder interviews and focus groups. It is designed to outline a course that will lead to the realization of ValleyRide's organizational goals.
The strategic plan is composed of four core elements - priorities, goals, strategies and objectives. The five priorities in the plan define the “must dos” based on internal and external drivers. Each priority includes several goals which define success and provide direction for the next three to five years.
Public Opinion Survey
Almost nine out of 10 Treasure Valley residents (88 percent) support expanding public transportation, according to a February 2002 public opinion survey. Eleven percent told pollsters that were neutral on the subject, while two percent said they do not support expansion.
In addition, 60 percent of poll respondents said they support funding for public transportation, 29 percent said they would consider supporting funding and 11 percent said they would not.
The overall goal of the survey was to determine attitudes toward public transportation in general, future needs, and support for funding public transportation service described in the proposed service alternatives that came out of the Transportation Development Plan. In addition, the survey provided:
- Baseline data on key measures of awareness of, attitudes toward, and the use of public transportation in the Treasure Valley.
- A reliable estimate of the actual number of public transportation users in the area, an understanding of potential demand for service, and the barriers
to increasing ridership.
A clear measure of the value of public transportation services in the community.
The survey involved telephone interviews among a random sample of adults in Ada and Canyon counties. A total of 600 interviews were done.
Public meetings
In July 2001, ValleyRide (then VIATrans) held a series of four public meetings to identify the needs of Ada and Canyon county residents with respect to public transportation. The meetings were held as follows:
1. Ada County Urban - Boise State University, July 16, 2001
2. Canyon County Urban - Nampa Civic Center, July 17, 2001
3. Ada County Rural - Meridian Senior Center, July 26, 2001
4. Canyon County Rural - Vallivue High School, July 27, 2001
Public Meetings Summary
Valley Regional Transit's Planning Area