Rail Transit, for Who? perceptions and factors influencing light rail ridership in Charlotte, NC

Abstract

Cities across the United States are investing billions of dollars in rail infrastructure. This article examines the factors influencing rail transit ridership. Findings can help develop strategies to enhance current and future ridership and rider experience. We answer our question by collecting survey and focus group data from residents living close to a new light rail extension line in Charlotte, North Carolina. This mixed-methods approach provides complementary insights and expands our knowledge beyond the existing literature. An extended framework for modeling choice behavior helps conceptualize ridership and our findings. Data from both methods found that more frequent rail transit usage was related to not having a car, being male, being under 50 years of age, living closer to the center city, and living less than half a mile from the light rail. However, while conversations from focus groups found that income, education, and race influenced ridership, statistical analysis of survey responses did not find significant evidence for this. A car-focused city design and culture, and limitations of bus and pedestrian connectivity to rail stations acted as barriers to use. Additionally, focus groups gave insight into the purpose of use and route options, ease of use relative to the bus, perceptions on target and rider demographics, and prior experiences riding the rail.