Files
Abstract
The disadvantaged population have barriers to a normal lifestyle. Mobility is one of these
barriers. Approximately 15.4 percent of North Dakota’s population is disadvantaged. These
individuals live in the metropolitan areas and in the rural, low-population-density counties, which
have limited transportation.
The Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute (UGPTI) developed a survey to identify the
transportation needs of the disadvantaged population and measure how those needs are being met.
The UGPTI worked with four Centers for Independent Living that serve the state of North
Dakota. Each of the centers selected a random sample of their clients and mailed the survey to
them.
The results of the study are based on a 21 percent response rate. Results showed that more people
would use transit if it were available to them. Almost 60 percent of the disadvantaged use transit
either daily or weekly, and the majority perceived they rode less than five miles per trip. Most
respondents use transit for medical appointments and shopping. The respondents indicated they
primarily use demand-response transit, which usually is provided by taxi, senior bus, and
paratransit. Riders think the drivers are well-trained to accommodate their needs and times at bus
stops are adequate. The weekend and holiday hours of services were the most inadequate
followed by scheduling and number of trips provided.
This study found that a higher percentage of North Dakota disadvantaged reported problems with
transportation than the national average.