North Florida Stakeholder Perspectives: Gaps, Barriers, and Facilitators in the Transportation System

Abstract

Florida’s population is projected to grow by 8.8 million residents over the next 25 years. This increase places demands on the transportation system, particularly for mobility-vulnerable populations, potentially impacting equitable transportation options and access for all users. Developing transit solutions for mobility-vulnerable populations may enhance economic activity, health, and well-being. Inquiry is needed to explore transportation stakeholders’ strategies and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of the existing transportation system. Therefore, this study examined stakeholders’ views on strategies to address user needs, related challenges, and opportunities while identifying gaps, strengths, weaknesses, and threats relevant to addressing transportation among mobility-vulnerable populations. The team conducted 13 semi-structured interviews with city planners, transportation employees, industry stakeholders, and state representatives. Findings indicate gaps in the transportation system, particularly available funding and limited common goals among stakeholders. Participants emphasized the need for enhanced educational resources and collaboration with community members. They identified strengths like a willingness to pilot innovative transit technologies, weaknesses such as unreliable options, opportunities for innovation, and threats, including COVID-19′s impact on transportation use. Understanding transportation stakeholders’ shared challenges and opportunities is crucial for identifying transit needs and developing strategies to reduce disparities for mobility-vulnerable populations.

Keywords

• community mobility
• transportation planning
• transportation stakeholders
• mobility-vulnerable populations