1. Why another study? What's different this time?
   
   Previous studies in the area have focused only on providing connections between Cranberry Township and limited regional locations including the City of Butler and Beaver County without addressing the circulation needs within the area.
   
   The current study will consider the broader transit needs for the Cranberry area for different users including commuters, employers, the elderly, the young, residents and businesses, and determine how transit could help shape the community to achieve a better quality of life. This study will result in a plan with a much higher probability for success through public input, by conducting a thorough needs analysis and developing transit service ideas that meet those needs in terms of where the service operates, how often it operates, the speed and type of vehicle used.
   
   
2. Why would we want more buses in the area?
   
   Buses can reduce congestion by reducing the number of cars on the road.
   Buses increase mobility for people that have limited automobile access, such as the elderly, young, and low income. Transit can help direct growth and support community development that promotes walking, bicycling and mixed land uses by reducing reliance on automobiles.
   
   
3. How will the kind of services provided be determined?
   
   Community input will guide this study and will be sought at each step of the process including needs identification and defining options for transportation system improvements for Cranberry Township and surrounding communities. The range of service concepts will be evaluated using many factors including how people will use it, revenues, costs, compatibility with community development plans and most importantly, community input. We will ask the community which service concepts they prefer and work with the community on a plan.
   
   
4. Are there plans for additional park-n-ride facilities?
   
   Public input will guide the study. Users of the current park-n-ride facilities located at Warrendale and Blade Runners were asked to comment on the current service and facilities. Public input on park-n-ride facilities and other issues was also provided at the March 16, 2004 community open house at the Cranberry Township Municipal Building and through on-going community outreach efforts. This public input for additional park-n-ride facilities and where to locate such facilities will be incorporated into the needs analysis of the study.
   
   
5. When will we have service?
   
   The study is targeted for completion by December 2004 and will provide recommendations on the steps to be taken to get a transit service plan into operation as soon as possible. The schedule for implementing any recommended service will depend on the funding and institutional arrangements required to put the service in place. In all likelihood, the service plan will be implemented in stages, including short term, intermediate and long term action plans.
   
   
6. How will the Cranberry area plan be coordinated with other transportation plans in the area?
   
   Until we know what the Cranberry plan looks like it is difficult to say how it will fit overall with highway projects, economic development plans and other transit plans in the area. This study is being overseen by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, which coordinates transportation activities among ten counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Additionally, the study team is working with two advisory committees, which include representatives from Cranberry Township and neighboring municipalities, Butler County, area transit agencies, PENNDOT and the Federal Transit Administration. This allows the study team to remain up-to-date on transportation projects in Cranberry and the surrounding area.
   
   
7. Who will provide the service?
   Community input and the study will help identify who will manage the service. There are existing transit agencies that could provide service, or possibly a new agency could be formed to manage the service.
   
   
8. How will transit be funded?
   One of the study tasks will be to determine how much the service will cost and how it will be funded. Some of the funding will come from fare box revenues or funding for senior riders may be provided by the Pennsylvania lottery. Other traditional funding sources include federal and state transportation agency capital and operating grants, and support from county and municipal governments. Partnerships with private sources and non-transportation related government agencies are also possible.

[ top ]

© 2004 - 2010 Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission