QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF TRANSIT NEEDS: THE NEBRASKA CASE

This paper present the lindings and outcumes of an assessment of transit needs in Nebraska. Specifically, the paper prcKcnts data trom Scottsbluff/ Gering. Kearney, and Norfollk, Nebraska, because data for these communilies were gathered through both a survey and a focus group. The study builds upon a previous statewide lransit needs aKsessment. but uses an alternative approach -a qualitative research design. This research design steers The study toward findings that identify personal transit needs, which would not emerge from a traditional. quantitative assessment, and outcomes that are more locally applicable. Among the findings of this study are the perceived need for more service hours and a greater flexibility for seniursʹ needs. Outcomes include changes in service hours and new collaborative efforts.