During the past 30 years, new suburbs have emerged at greater distances from central business districts. These suburban land-use environments have not generally been conducive to provision of transit services. However, suburban areas are changing dramatically: the suburban population is becoming more economically diverse, the aging population is increasing, and the transit-dependent community is growing. Consequently, the need for suburban transit services has grown. In past years, transit districts have introduced a variety of transit services in suburban neighborhoods, including vanpools, dial-a-ride, shared-ride taxi, flex service, neighborhood circulators connecting with fixed-route service, and extended fixed-route service. The success of these services has varied. Information on the most effective methods of serving suburban needs can be used by the transit industry to improve market share and productivity in the biggest potential market area—the suburbs. In the years since publication of TCRP Report 55, land use and its relationship to transit services has changed as contemporary suburbia has extended beyond the older suburbs. The research confirmed that the land-use connection with suburban transit services is primarily based on local policies, which are substantially influenced by the availability of local funding. This report provides updated information and guidance on the latest developments in suburban service options and attributes. Urbitran Associates, Inc., in association with Cambridge Systematics, Kittelson & Associates, Pittman & Associates, and the Center for Urban Transportation Research, reviewed trends and developments of suburban transit services and recent land development. The research team identified and described suburban land-use environments and appropriate transit service strategies; established a methodology with evaluation criteria to determine best practices in providing suburban transit services; conducted the approved case studies; and documented the success and the lessons learned regarding the provision of suburban transit services. (Author/publisher)
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