HomeMy WebLinkAboutNew Transit ProposalFive Town Rural Transit, Inc.
PO Box 1433
Sag Harbor, New York 1 t 963
Hank de Cillia, Executive DirectorlSpokesperson
631-725-2745 · Fax 631-725-5062
Southampton, NY -- July 28, 2005
Survey Finds Strong Support for New Transit Proposal
On Long Island's East End
Residents of Long Island's five East End towns support overwhelmingly a proposed new
public transit system for their region, according to telephone survey and focus group results
released today by Five Town Rural Transit, Inc. (5TRT), the organization developing the plan.
More specifically, people will use the new system five times as much as they currently use the
existing one, based on the responses of 1,200 households in the telephone survey, which was
conducted in June by Appel Research, LLC, an independent research firm near Albany, N.Y.
Only 4% of respondents said they use the current system (Suffolk County Transit, the
Long Island Rail Road, or long distance buses - Sunrise Coach, Hampton Jitney, or Hampton
Luxury Liner) at least two times per week, while 22% would use the new system that frequently
(7% would use it 4-5 times per week and an additional 15% would use it 2-3 times per week).
Steve Appel, President of Appel Research, noted this broad-based approval was
consistent among the many subeategories in the survey - geographic area (each of the five
towns), age, income, etc. He observed the level and depth of the overwhelming appeal was
unusually high for these types of surveys. "When you offer something brand-new, people tend
to take a wait-and-see attitude, but not about this, not here, and not now."
Hank de Cillia, 5TRT Executive Director, remarked, "The survey comqrms our
instinctive belief that East End residents want a public transit system designed for their needs."
The proposed system, as described in the survey questions, would consist of new shuttle
train service along the LIRR tracks, replacing the existing Long Island Rail Road service on the
East End. Kathy Cunnixigham Faraone, 5TRT President, noted the main concept consists of"rail
shuttles, running between hamlets at thirty-minute intervals, which are met by bus shuttles at the
stations to take passengers to final destinations, or nearby."
2
This coordination of service was extremely popular among those questioned, viewed
"most favorably" by 70% of the respondents. Other features - additional parking, reopened train
stations, new bus routes, and enhanced bus stops -- received similar support. But, even more
popular were extending morning and evening hours of service and adding Sunday service, and
maintaining the current low fare charged by Suffolk County Transit.
Following an explanation of how the system's operating expenses would be financed, the
surveyors also posed the possibility that the proposed transit system might have no fares at all,
that it would be entirely free. The portion of the population who said they would use the system
at least two times per week under those circumstances jumped from 22% to 30%. "Free is
good!" replied one focus group respondent.
The explanation included the information that residents of the five East End towns now
pay more than $60 million per year in taxes and surcharges to the Metropolitan Transportation
Authority (MTA), largely from sales and mortgage taxes. In retum, they receive very little LIRR
service. The new system, which would replace and add to that service, is estimated to cost $20 -
$30 million per year in operating expenses - less than one-half of what the MTA now receives.
The telephone survey was conducted in mid-June, 2005 in a central telephone bank, using
trained interviewers entering results directly into a master computer, with 100% verification by
experienced supervisors. The results of a randomly selected sample of 1,200 interviews,
averaging 16 minutes each, are accurate to :t:3%, with a 95% confidence level. The margin of
error for most subcategories was ±6%.
Hal Ross, 5TRT Vice-President and Director of Research, stated that the results of the
survey were one of the major foundations in deriving a forecast of demand for the proposed
service. He said, "This demand forecast will be incorporated as part of our East End Transit
(EETran) Development Proposal, to be presented to the East End Supervisors and Mayors
Association (EESMA) at its early-fall meeting."
Five focus groups were conducted in late April, 2005, each directed toward a specific
population group: 1) commuters to jobs on the East End, 2) year-round resident non-commuters,
3) large employers on the East End, 4) 2na homeowners, and 5) Spanish-speaking individuals.
The first four focus groups were moderated by Mr. Appel. Francesca Moscatelli, a similarly-
qualified researcher, moderated the last group, in Spanish.
3
After the new proposal was described, respondents in each of the five focus groups
expressed their support. Typical comments included, "When does it start. We're ready," and
"The interesting thing about this focus group ...is that there is no negativity toward the plan.
Everybody wishes your group well and encourages them to move forward."
Large employers, representing almost 4,000 employees who work on the East End,
described transportation as one of their most significant challenges. They report great difficulty
in hiring and retaining employees, paying premium salaries in return for long commutes, and
tired and harried workers. When asked about the new transit proposal, all actively supported it.
Common to participants in all the focus groups was their desire to participate in the effort
to move the plan forward. Recognizing that there would be obstacles to enacting this proposal,
discussions focused on two major concerns, 1) having the Metropolitan Transportation Authority
agree to transfer its right-of-way and services to a new public authority that would be created to
run the system, 2) the difficulty in convincing people to switch from cars to public
transportation. Still, it was noted that if only a small portion of people switched from their cars,
there would be a major reduction of traffic congestion.
Fred Thiele, New York State Assemblyman and an adviser to 5TRT, was enthusiastic
about the quality and comprehensiveness of the survey, including the five focus groups. He
stated, "I have never seen such a well-thought-out survey of the transit needs of the people on the
East End. Hopefully, these results will play a major role in securing the approval by the state
legislature of my bill, coauthored with State Senator La Valle, for establishing a Peconic Bay
Regional Transportation Authority (PBRTA)."
-- End --
Five Town Rural Transit (STRT), Inc.
PO Box 1433
Sag Harbor, New York 1 t 963
Hank de Cillia, Executive DirectorlSpokesperson
631-725-2745 · Fax 631-725-5062
Fact Sheet
Purpose of Organization:
Five Town Rural Transit, Inc., (5TRT) is a not-for-profit corporation, structured to
research and develop improved public transit on Long Island's East End. 5TRT was
organized to develop a comprehensive plan to create a new public transit system that
would be sufficiently functional and attractive enough to move people from the roads
onto buses and trains. This is a critical necessity because of the current gridlock resulting
from traffic congestion, with its resulting negative impact on the quality of life of the East
End's residents and visitors. In addition, it would serve the specific needs of commuters,
employers, and those who are dependent on public transit.
Membership:
Five Town Rural Transit, Inc. is comprised of a board of directors and related affiliates,
as shown on the attached sheet. There are two or more directors from each of the five
tom, with the exception of Shelter Island, which has one director. Most of these
individuals have played significant roles in several of the different transportation
initiatives, including SEEDS (Sustainable East End Development Strategies), the
Southampton Highway Task Force, and the Transportation Commissions that exist in
Southold and Southampton.
History:
The organization began in early 2004, founded by Hank de Cillia and Hal Ross. Its main
function was derived from a December 2003 article written for the Sou~ampton Press by
Mr. de Cillia, which outlined the coordinated bus and mil shuttle system that 5TRT is
now developing. Five Town Rural Transit, Inc., has expanded to include other
individuals who agree with the goals and the means to achieve them and desire to
participate in the effort to carry them forward.
Primary Activities:
· Initial Conceptual Design of East End Transit (EETran) System (Complete)
· Surveys of East End Individuals, Focus Groups of individuals, commuters, and large
employers (Complete)
· Development of Detailed EETran Proposal, including demand forecast (in progress)
· EETran Feasibility Study (To be contracted to an outside recognized authority)
· Public Referendum (November, 2006)
· Hand-Offto new regional transit authority (Ultimate goal)
Five Town Rural Transit (5TRT), Inc.
Kathleen Cunningham Faraone, President (East Hampton Town Resident, SEEDS
Stakeholder)
Hal Ross, Vice President (Southampton Town Resident, Southampton Transportation
Commission Member, SEEDS Stakeholder)
Pat Sbillingburg, Treasurer (Shelter Island Town Resident, Town Zoning Board
Member, SEEDS Stakeholder)
Margaret Brown, Secretary (Southold Town Resident, Southold Transportation
Commission Member)
Hank de Cillia, Executive Director (Southampton Town Resident, SEEDS Stakeholder)
Joey Mac Lellan, Board Member (Riverhead Town Resident, Former Executive '
Director of Peeonic Connections)
Tom Neely, Board Member (Sag Harbor Village Resident, Southampton Town
Transportation Commission Director)
John Rooney, Board Member (Southold Town, North Fork Environmental Council
Board Member, SEEDS Stakeholder)
Tom Ruble, Board Member (East Hampton Town Resident, East Hampton Town
Housing & Community Development Director, SEEDS Stakeholder)
Vince Taldone, Board Member (Riverhead Town Resident, Suffolk County
Transportation Advisory Board Member)
Legislative Liaison
Fred Thiele (New York State Assembly)
Legal Counsel
J. Edward Shillingburg, Esq.
Environmental Advisers
Bob De Luca & Charlie Capp, Group for the South Fork
Dr. Scott Carlin, Southampton College & Institute for Sustainable Development
Maritime Adviser
Tom Fox, Principal, Southold Maritime Services Corp.
Statistical Adviser
Professor Liz Granitz, Southampton College
APPEL RESEARCH, LLC
MARKETING/PUBUC OPINION RESEARCH
Fact Sheet
Who We Are:
P~PEL RESEARCH, LLC is a consultancy providing custom-designed opinion-based and
demographic research. Using an arsenal of investigative marketing research tools, the
firm:
· Goes beyond casual findings to identify powerful implications and develop
actionable recommendations.
· Offers big picture thinking (how the client relates to the bigger surroundings) with
clarity on key issues and attention to detail.
· Focuses on objectives and results, rather than on techniques.
What We Do:
APPEL RESEARCH, LL£ performs public opinion studies for governmental agencies and
private associations; market analyses for business; internet web site design and usability
testing; and dial groups for moment-to-momeut and trade-off decision-making analysis.
Such techniques as focus groups, telephone surveys, and other types of quantitative
studies are conducted and analyzed, from which strategies are drawn.
A Sampling of Clients:
Numerous qualitative and quantitative studies have been performed for Collegiate
Marketing Service; Excelsior College; Frito-Lay; Interfaith Medical Center; International
Center of New York; the Liberty (NY) Chamber of Commerce; the Marketing Research
Association; the New York City Police Department; the New York State Department of
Health; the Pharmacists' Society (NY); Proctors Theatre; Pros & Cons Software; the San
Francisco Bar Association; Tamalpias School District (CA); WAMC Public Radio; and
public opinion surveys about the East End conducted over three decades.
Principal:
Steve Appel has led APPEL RESEARCH, LLC since 1978. Mr. Appel has conducted
hundreds of studies of various types, involving hundreds of thousands of respondents.
He is particularly skilled at coordinating quantitative and qualitative research. In addition
to his private sector experience, he was Research Director in both houses of the New
York State Legislature. Mr. Appel holds his undergraduate degree from the City
University of New York, and his MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is also
an author of marketing research articles and has presented studies for the Qualitative
Research Consultants Association and the Marketing Research Association, in his field.
"Insights you can use -- Accuracy you can count on"
2452 Hilltop Road, Nisk~ayuna, New York 12309
518-372-3200 (voice) - 518-372-9051 (fax) - Steve@appelresearch.com (Email)
How often -.. do you/would you - use Public
tranSPortation on Long island's East End?
Rate The ~ current/Proposed-
Public Transit System:
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Key Finding
Residents of the East End of Lona Island SUDOOrt overwhelmin(]ly the orooosed oublic
transoortation Dian developed by Five Town Rural Transit, Inc., according to the findings
of a large sample telephone survey and five focus groups. Furthermore, this ooinion is
shared by each of the oooulation seaments studied -- region, age, income, work status
and other demographic groupings - with little variation in findings. The sampling also
prefers the proposed system to the current system by a wide margin:
Rate t~e - current/proposed -- public trensportatJan system, using ~ 1 te $
scale - $ Js best:
Worst it could be (1 - 2..)
Average (.. 3 ..)
Best it could be (.. 4 - 5)
ICUrrent System Proposed System
, 52% 13%
26% 25%
220/0 620/0
More significantly, after the plan was described, many of the respondents reported that
they would use the new system frequently. We note that 22% would use the proposed
transit system at least twice per week, as compared to only 4% who currently use public
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transportation that often. Putting it another way, the proposed system would be used
more than five times as much as the current one. The usage jumps further, to 30%,
when it'is explained that it is possible that the system could be operated with no fares at
all:
How o~en -- do you/would you -- use public transporta~on on Long Island's
East End?
Use Current Would Use Would Use New
I System New System System If Free
4/5 times per week 2% 7% 13%
2/3 times per week 2% 15% 17%
Combined ReBular Use 4% 22% 30%
A few times per month 9% 29% 24%
A few times per year 34% 26% 21%
Never 53% 19% 18%
Don't Know 1% 4% 6%
The population segment most likely to use the new system was younger residents,
while those retired were slightly less likely. There were no significant differences by
town.
Current State of Transportation on Long Island's East End
According to the telephone survey, 95% of the resident population relies primarily on
automobiles for transportation. In the focus groups, respondents emphasized the
steady increase in traffic congestion in recent years resulting in gridlock conditions,
especially during the morning drive-to-work period, and throughout the summer. We
also learned that businesses and employees are affected, beth from convenience and
economic viewpoints.
With respect to public transportaUon, there are three major modes:
· Suffolk County Transit - Intra-regional transportation that has had a steady
increase in ridership, but respondents report the system as having routes and
schedules do not make sense, limited hours in the morning and evening, no
Sunday service, some rude drivers, and most significantly, no coordination with
the Lonq Island Rail Road (LIRRI or other forms of transportation. Only 3% of
those participating in the telephone survey use Suffolk County Transit at least two
times per week, and 7% use it only a few times per year ... and 88% never use
2
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Suffolk County Transit all. Only Iow-income residents take the Suffolk County
Transit buses with any frequency -- 14% use them at least two times per we~k.
Long Island Rail Road - Inter-regional transportation that almost no one uses for
travel within the region. Its service is infrequent, and not geared to regular
users, except possibly weekenders. Residents on the North Fork regard the LIRR
even more harshly. Overall, we found that 54% never use the LIRR, and 35%
only a few times per year.
· Long distance buses - Inter-regional transportation provided by three (now four)
private services. Sunrise Coach covers the North Fork, while the Hampton Jitney
and the Hampton Luxury Uner run on the South Fork. The respondents told us
that there are significant passenger loads on all lines, (especially on the Hampton
.litney), and they choose these services for their speed, reliability, and flexible
routes. These private bus lines provide frequent service, make multiple stops,
and are comfortable, clean, and safe. Some respondents suggest that the buses
are pricey, but increasing gasoline pdces are making the service more
competitive. Overall, 46% never use long distance buses, and 41% only a few
times per year.
By using single buses, instead of long trains, they can schedule far more runs at
more times.
Can public transportation be improved?
After discussing the current transit system, the focus group respondents had their
doubts. They pointed out that the area is too spread out geographically, many
employees don~ work at fixed locations (construction/renovation, landscaping, etc.),
there may not be enough population to warrant frequent service, and demand is
largely limited to the transit-dependent. Also, second homeowners would be
resistant.
· What are the components of a perfect transportation system?
The respondents were asked if these local conditions could be overcome if a
perfect public transportation system could be devised. They were asked to come
up with the components of this ideal, and then, rank them in order of importance.
The components were grouped into two tiers, by level of importance:
1st ~er -- Most Important Components
· Frequency of service -- more runs, at better times
· Reliability - on time
· Accessibility of system - proximity to routes
· Increased speed -- quicker door-to-door trips - goal is to make them faster
than going by car
3
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2nd Tier -- Most important Components
· Low cost- same as Suffolk County Transit
· Extended morning and evening hours, Sunday service
· Coordination of bus and train schedules
· Amenities - clean, comfortable, safe
· Sufficient parking
· Energy-efficient, non-polluting equipment
· No exact change requirement
The Proposal for a New Public Transportation System
Description of the Proposal - Focus Groups
The proposed system was described in 5-7 minutes in the focus groups. As
explained, the proposed system would consist of new shuttle train service along the
LIRR tracks, replacing the existing Long Island Rail Road on the East End, from
Speonk to Montauk on the South Fork, and from Ronkonkoma to Greenport on the
North Fork. The main concept consists of rail shuttles of one or two cars, running
between hamlets at thirty-minute intervals, which are met by bus shuttles at the
stations that take passengers to final destinations, or nearby.
The explanation included the little-known information that residents of the five East
End towns now pay more than $60 million per year in taxes and surcharges to the
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NTA), largely from sales and mortgage taxes.
In return, they receive very little I_IRR service. The new system, which would
replace and add to that service, is estimated to cost $20 - $30 million per year in
operating expenses - less than one-half of what the NTA now receives from the
people who would be served.
· Reactions to the Proposal - Focus Groups
From the focus groups, first reaction comments al~er the plan was described
included, "When does it start7 We're ready," and 'q'he interesting thing about
this focus group., is that there is no negativity toward the plan. Everybody
wishes your group well and encourages them to move forward." A common
thread was the appeal of the proposal to everyone. "Everybody's going to benefit
a lot ... the government, the users, the environment."
4
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Description of the Proposal - Telephone Survey
For the telephone survey, we offered the components one at a time in consecutive
questions, with each component building and having an impact on the next:
Components ora New Public Transportation S)~stem
Rate Each Component on a 1 to $ ~cale - $
Component Least Host
Favorable Favorable
(1-2..) (..4-5)
First, create new public authority to take over public transit
service on East End 26% 49%
New train servicer every 30 minutesf new equipment 19% 68%
Buses coordinate with trains~ meet them at stations 17% 70%
More parking at train stations and at enhanced bus stops 18% 67%
Fares similar to Suffolk County Transit 5% 86%
Reopen closed ITRR stations 12% 74%
New bus routes and enhanced stops 13% 71%
Extended morning and evening hours and Sunday service9% 80%
New trains and buses, energy-efficient, non-polluting, paid
for by Federal grants 6% 87%
Seasenal~ passenger-only water taxis 23% 65%
· Reactions to the Proposal - Telephone Survey
The first question related to the prospect of creating a new public authority to
assume control of existing public transportation, which was met somewhat
favorably, although the response was not overwhelming - not surprising given
the technical nature of this initial characteristic. Still, this was a necessary
precursor to what would follow.
Once the "every 30 minute" train service was mentioned, the support reached a
plateau and remained high. Only the seasonal, passenger-only water taxis were
met with support below two-thirds of those questioned, but even that component
reached 65% (slightly less in East Hampton, but still a clear majority).
Further Discussion of the Proposal
· Operations
Focus group respondents were relieved that operations would be contracted out,
fearing that local government officials have little experience running such a
complex system. They also noted that Suffolk County Transit contracts their
operations to pdvate vendors. Another issue of concern was the likely need for.
maintenance yards, a potentially controversial issue the L~RR is now facing.
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Parking
Additional parking at railroad stations and enhanced bus stops is a popular part of
the plan, but focus group respondents point out that land is so expensive. One
suggestion offered was, "Could we use some of the money going to the IVlTA to
buy land for parking?" There is also a desire for Park & Ride lots, especially west
of Shinnecock Canal for commuters coming from the west into the five towns.
· Why Employers would want a new public transit system
One of our focus groups consisted of representatives of large public and private
sector entitles, who employ nearly 4,000 workers in the East End. They reported
on the difficulty in hiring and retaining employees, due to traffic congestion.
They are forced to pay premium salaries in return for long commutes and they
have to spend considerable sums for employee parking, on top of the customer
parking that most provide. On the human resources side, their employees are
often tired and harded, and lateness is excessive and unavoidable.
Attempts to improve the situation have failed, notably incentives to car pool, and
fare subsidies.
With the new system as described however, they could adjust hours to meet new
transit schedules, and provide vans to shuttle employees to stops/stations
(although they hope the new routes would include their locations). "If I could
eliminate employee parking lots, ! would pay for it," said one employer.
They offer their support for the plan. -- "Youll need us and all of our employees
and their friends and family to advocate for this plan."
Challenges to Enactment
· Convincing the MTA to give up the Long Island Rail Road
In the focus groups as well as in the telephone survey, respondents recognize
that the main structural issue - eliminating the MTA's role in Eastern Long
Island, is one of the two biggest challenges. Focus group comments included
"... not something they're going to relinquish easily, since they are having their
own budget crisis." "They would throw everything at us." "Why hasn't the
LIRR had the vision to accept that there is a need for this kind of service?"
The solution offered was, "Emphasize that it's a good idea, and develop our
own political power." "Let us help."
Getting people out of their cars
The other major challenge, this sentiment was best expressed by a focus
group respondent, who said, "People are wedded to their cars. People
demand total convenience and control." It is possible that the recent increase
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in gasoline prices might be incentive not to drive, but it shows little evidence
of sparking a change in behavior so far. The solution, we learned, was to
generate a realistic understanding of the objecUve - it is not necessary to get
everyone off the road. A relatively small shift to trains and buses leads to a
major reduction in auto congestion.
Methodology
Focus Groups
Five Focus Groups were conducted in late Apdl 2005:
1. Commuters to .~obs on the East End
2. Year-Round Resident Non-Commuters
3. Large Employers on East End
4. Second Homeowners
5. Spanish-Speaking Individuals
Each group lasted approximately two hours, and was structured by a moderator's
discussion guide prepared in advance. The sessions were video and audio taped.
Steven Appel moderated the first four focus groups in English and Francesca
Moscatelli moderated the focus group of Spanish speaking individuals in Spanish.
Telephone Survey
A survey of adults of the five towns comprising Long Island's East End was
conducted in mid-.lune 2005 by trained interviewers in a central telephone bank, with
100% verification by experienced supervisors. The respondents were selected
through a sampling method using random digit dialing, which insured that each
household with a land-line telephone had an equal chance of being selected
including those with unlisted telephone numbers.
· Sample size - 1,200 Respondents - ±3% margin of error (95% confidence level)
· Five regions - 240 interviews each -- ±6% margin of error - weighted to match
regional proportion.
· East Hampton Town
· Riverhead Town
· Seuthold / Shelter Island Towns
· Southampton Town - East of Shinnecock Canal
· Southampton Town - West of Shinnecock Canal
· (~uestionnaire - ~,2 questions, content partly derived from focus groups, 16
minutes average duration
7
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