Riding transit to parks in Utah: Motivations, constraints, negotiations, and policy recommendations

Abstract

In this paper, we studied the motivations, constraints, negotiations, and policy changes for riding transit to parks in Utah’s Wasatch Front region, exploring how these factors vary between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged individuals. This is one of the first studies to explore transit-to-parks experiences in large urban regions. We conducted interviews with 25 diverse transit riders. Motivations for riding transit to parks included environmental concerns and the convenience of avoiding parking and traffic. Constraints involved excessive travel time due to limited service, transit frequency and reliability issues, and last-mile connection issues. The main negotiation strategy was to plan trips to limit travel time. People in low-income neighborhoods had limited transit-to-parks services, and available services were adequate for fit and non-disabled people. Policy changes that would help participants address constraints included new or modified routes, improved last-mile connections, information and marketing campaigns, and better service for low-income communities and people with disabilities.