INTERCITY BUS RIDERS IN TEXAS

This paper includes summary information obtained from an on-board intercity bus survey performed in selected locations throughout Texas. The purpose of the survey was to gain insight into the socioeconomic and travel characteristics of intercity bus passengers in Texas. The survey instrument was also designed to collect data on general attitudes concerning service and fares and to identify the features of the existing service that are are most important in generating ridership. The first section of this paper presents the major findings of the on-board survey. Then the results are presented of a comparison between the results of this on-board survey and the results of an on-board survey conducted in Michigan in 1977. The most significant findings of the user survey were that mean trip length was longer than generally reported, that users are generally satisfied with current service, and that Texas intercity bus riders do not appear to be significantly different from those in other parts of the United States. A large portion (28 percent) of intercity bus riders do not have an automobile available for the trip. Trips are made infrequently (the median is 3 times/year). The most significant trip purpose is to visit friends (38 percent). Any improvement in service should focus on safety, on-time performance, and comfort. (Author)