Debunking the Empty Bus Myth

Bob Lasher -- Director of External Affairs for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, serving the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area of Florida -- joins the CT Podcast to discuss his agency's efforts to break through one of the most pernicious myths in community and public transit: the Empty Bus myth. To help local planners and community advisory groups better understand the issue, PSTA developed an excellent video dealing with the empty bus myth. It's a clear, simple and effective way to reframe the discussion, without stooping to industry jargon. We hope this great video inspires transit leaders, managers and advocates around the country to debunk the empty bus myth in the places they serve.

Listen Here: 15:46

Northwest Dakota Public Transit, Williston, North Dakota

We are joined by both Diane Lopez (Executive Director) and John Pearcy (Transit Coordinator) of Northwest Dakota Public Transit in Williston, North Dakota. Williston's population has gone from 12,000 to 38,000 in three years as the energy boom Pearcy calls "black gold" continues unabated in certain parts of North Dakota. This CT Podcast discusses the impact of this population boom both on Williston itself and the local community transportation operator. Service requests on the all demand-response Northwest Dakota Public Transit have nearly tripled and for the first time, the agency faces a future where fixed routes might be deployed.

Listen Here: 14:02