Study to guide future of public transport
FROM STAFF REPORTS Gulf Breeze News news@gulfbreezenews.com

Illustration by Franklin Hayes/Gulf Breeze News Santa Rosa County residents are encouraged to participate in a public transportation study.

The wheels are rolling for the Santa Rosa County transit feasibility study. The study, funded by the Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) and approved by the local board of county commissioners, will ultimately guide the future of public transportation in Santa Rosa County. It will reveal whether there is a need for public transportation in the area and if so, what type of transportation service is best able to meet the demands of the community.

Currently, Santa Rosa County has limited public transit services. As the population continues to grow, it is necessary for residents to address expanded mobility options within the community. Throughout the course of this study, local feedback will be carefully and thoughtfully considered.

"A large portion of this study is dedicated to public involvement," said, Mary Robinson, Senior Transportation Planner for the TPO. "As such, we are strongly encouraging all residents to voice their opinions regarding the future of public transportation in Santa Rosa County."

To effectively communicate updates and provide a platform for residents to express themselves, the Web site www.SRCTransit.com has been launched. This site, which hosts a community-wide transportation survey, is part of a comprehensive campaign created by Kidd Group Communications entitled "What Moves You? Express Yourself."

Residents interested in getting involved will have the opportunity to fully express their needs, concerns and thoughts surrounding public transportation in Santa Rosa County via public meetings and through this Web site survey. The feasibility study will begin with a kick-off meeting Thursday, July 19, 2007 at 10 a.m. in the Santa Rosa County Administrative Center, 6495 Caroline Street (U.S. Hwy. 90), Milton, Fla.

Conducted by the Center for Urban Transportation Research, the study will progress through the remainder of this year. Final Santa Rosa County transit recommendations are anticipated for release in early 2008.

For more information or to sign-up and receive feasibility study updates, please visit SRCTransit.com.