More than three-quarters of ELCO residents would be “somewhat” or “very” likely to use bus service if it was available to them. That’s according to a recent survey conducted by Lebanon Transit. The survey was primarily conducted to test the level of public support for the transit system’s proposed expansion of Fixed Route bus service into the ELCO region, ultimately connecting to BARTA in Womelsdorf.

An infographic of key survey findings for Lebanon Transit’s proposed Fixed Route expansion into ELCO.

“We are really overwhelmed by how strongly residents and leaders in ELCO are supporting this proposal,” said executive director Angie Luciotti. “Even people who don’t plan to ride are excited for this to happen.”

Respondents also answered questions that will help Lebanon Transit plot the actual route the bus should take through ELCO. Notably, about 60% of respondents would be willing to walk no more than 10 minutes and no more than a half mile to get to/from the bus route. Top destinations people want to reach include Dutch-way, Walmart in Lebanon, doctor’s offices and stores in North Cornwall, both Lebanon Valley and Park City malls, libraries, and warehouses.

“We’re already traveling to places people want to go,” said manager of operations Michael Curry. “Now we just need to close this transit gap so we can get ELCO residents connected to these places too.”

Other key results from the survey include:

Respondents would mostly ride the bus between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. weekdays, with Friday being the most popular day to travel.
Cash was cited as the most popular form of payment, followed by credit/debit card, disposable bus pass, smart card, and tap pay. More people would prefer to pay onboard the bus rather than in advance.
Three-quarters would be willing to pay no more than $3.00 per trip. This is consistent with the system’s current fare structure with full fares ranging from $1.50 to $2.25.

Lebanon Transit’s outreach efforts in the ELCO community have been assisted by the Myerstown Vitality Partnership, Myerstown Community Library, Myerstown Senior Center, Myerstown Borough Council, and Jackson Township Board of Supervisors.