Public transportation in focus

Kootenai County residents have a real interest in public transportation, but few actually take advantage of the services available, according to a survey of about 400 homes.

For those few – namely the poor, elderly or disabled – Kootenai County’s fledgling public transportation service is vital. It’s how they get to work, to doctor’s appointments and even to the grocery store to do their shopping.

During an open house Wednesday at North Idaho College, county residents will have the opportunity to comment on recommendations to improve and add to the county’s public transportation services.

From 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., residents will be able to view and comment on the public transportation study conducted by Nelson/Nygaard Consulting Associates of Portland. The study evaluates the services currently offered and includes recommendations for improvements.

The study was commissioned by the Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization, or KMPO. To remain eligible for state and federal funding, the organization had to develop a five-year and 20-year public transportation plan.

The KMPO was formed after the 2000 Census, which showed that Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Huetter, Hayden and Dalton Gardens had a combined population of more than 50,000. As required by federal law, a board was put together to develop a long-range transportation plan for the newly designated urban area.

The study and recommendations are part of that plan.

About 400 households were asked what they thought the needs were for public transportation in Kootenai County.

The survey found many were unaware of the services that were already available, said Glenn Miles, KMPO’s executive director. Bus service is offered on-demand through a contract with the Kootenai Area Transportation System. Shuttles for NIC and Kootenai Medical Center are the most heavily used.

The survey indicated there is a demand for increased public transportation, but that many locals “feel a strong psychological barrier to public transit.”

Consultant Thomas Brennan said some are skeptical of the reliability and effectiveness of public transportation – especially because past attempts at fixed-route service have failed.

About half of those surveyed said someone in their household would likely use public transportation if the system were improved.

Miles said most of the respondents said there was a need for public transportation and that it should be available on the weekends. Many favored a connection with Spokane Transit for those who commute across the state line.

The first draft recommendation being considered is a five-year plan, based on existing funding and resources. The plan centers on improving booking, dispatching and scheduling to run a more effective transit system, Miles said.

A zone-routing system is one possibility. The system would be more flexible than a fixed-route service like in big cities, but would provide transportation from certain areas in Coeur d’Alene at scheduled times each hour. In Post Falls, the service would be provided at designated times every two hours.

The study recommends a similar plan for public transportation in other areas of Kootenai County, including the Interstate 90 corridor; Rathdrum, Spirit Lake and Athol; Coeur d’Alene to Worley; and Coeur d’Alene to Sandpoint. Pickup from those areas would be less frequent.

The long-term recommendations build on the five-year plan. Depending on funding, the plan would add more frequent service, with fixed-routes and schedules in the areas with the most ridership. Park and Ride lots also are recommended.

Brennan said public transportation brings benefits to an area that many non-riders may not realize.

“A strong transit system with a fixed-route component can help to mitigate congestion,” Brennan said. “It’s becoming a concern as the area grows.”

Public transportation can attract businesses looking to relocate, aids work force retention and improves access to jobs for low-income families in isolated areas of the county, he said.

Wednesday’s open house will be in the Lake Coeur d’Alene Room of NIC’s Edminster Student Union at the Coeur d’Alene campus, 1000 W. Garden Ave.

Those interested in viewing the plan are encouraged to “drop in” anytime during the open house.

For questions or comments on the project, contact Miles at (800) 698-1927.