Hattiesburg, Mississippi – Hub City Transit, the city’s public transportation system, invites residents, visitors and students to provide feedback that will be used to improve public transportation in and around the Hattiesburg area for the next five to 10 years.
Those interested in participating can visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HubCityTransit to take a short 13-question survey addressing topics like access to transit, the riding experience and communication of schedule and routes.
This survey effort is part of the first phase of a transit system master plan, a joint effort between the City of Hattiesburg and the Hattiesburg-Petal-Forrest-Lamar Metropolitan Planning Organization. As a whole, the master plan will look at current and emerging needs regarding transit services in and around Hattiesburg, Petal and surrounding portions of Forrest and Lamar counties.
“This is a forward-looking plan that will explore new technology and mobility options and identify ways to improve our existing bus routes and paratransit service,” said Andrew Ellard, director of Urban Development for the City of Hattiesburg. “With input from the public, we look forward to improving the rider experience.”
The survey will be available through May 31, and results will help shape the development of the master plan. Those interested in the planning process are encouraged to sign up to receive project updates or submit questions and comments by emailing the project team at mpo@hattiesburgms.com.
For additional information, project updates and ways to take part in the process can be accessed at www.hubcitytransit.com.
ABOUT HUB CITY TRANSIT MASTER PLAN
The Hub City Transit Master Plan will identify public transit needs and recommend future changes and mobility options like on-demand transit. It will also develop a long-term funding strategy and propose an implementation plan. The public will have a chance to weigh in two more times before the plan is finalized. In the summer, the public will be invited to review and rate different improvement options. In the fall, once a draft plan has been completed, the public will be invited to review and make comments. The plan is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.
ABOUT HATTIESBURG-PETAL-FORREST-LAMAR METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are regional transportation planning agencies, which provide a forum for cooperative decision-making concerning area-wide transportation issues.
The MPO was created by federal and state law to develop transportation plans and programs that encourage and promote the implementation of transportation systems. These plans and programs embrace the various modes of transportation in a manner that maximizes the mobility of people and goods.
The Hattiesburg-Petal-Forrest-Lamar MPO Policy Committee is the primary committee responsible for developing policies and procedures to guide the transportation planning process for the Hattiesburg Urbanized Area.
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