INFORMATION #2 05-17-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Northstar Commuter Rail Online Marketing Survey Findings May 10, 2010 1. There is a high level of Northstar Commuter Rail use. • 64% of respondents have used Northstar since service began. • 87% of Northstar Link trips are round trips. 2. Some barriers to increased commuter use are beyond our immediate control. • 42% of non-riders cited the schedule as the primary reason for not using the Northstar Line. • 28% of non-riders said that station locations do not meet their needs. • Other reasons non-riders have not tried Northstar include affordability, need of a vehicle and convenience of driving. 3. Opportunities exist to attract social riders and increase overall use of the Northstar Line. • 81 % of respondents said they would likely use special event trains; of non-riders, special event trains were cited as the most important factor that would increase the likelihood of riding. • 22% of commuters said they would be more likely to ride if a shuttle bus was available to and from their community and 27% said they would use the shuttle. • More than 1/3 of current Northstar riders said amenities such as overnight parking, late evening/weekday buses and Guaranteed Ride Home would make them more likely to ride. • Of current Northstar Link riders, nearly 73% said they would use the service if it ran on weekends between St. Cloud and Big Lake. • 81 % of Northstar Link commuters expressed interest in using The Link to meet weekday or weekend special event Northstar trains. 4. Northstar riders consider Northstar safe and convenient. Among respondents, the strongest agreement exists on the statements "I feel safe while riding Northstar trains" and "Northstar station and train amenities meet my needs." Agreement is also strong regarding Northstar being more convenient than driving and an affordable option. Northstar Link riders named cost and low stress as their key motivations to ride. 5. Customers like the convenience of non-cash transactions. • 53% are aware of the Go-To Card and 20% use it on a regular basis. Credit cards also are used heavily. • However, on average, respondents still have difficulty using smart cards. 6. Public support remains strong for commuter rail service to St. Cloud. • 79% of respondents support government funding to extend rail service. Results from two unscientific surveys were conducted in early spring 2010. The Northstar Corridor Development Authority conducted an online survey completed by 1,774 supporters, riders, and members of the public. The second survey was given to Northstar Link Commuter Coach riders; 48 riders responded.