Itasca County Area Transportation Study

Abstract

A team of researchers from University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs and Center for Transportation Studies conducted a study evaluating the cost and ease of implementing a variety of options for people to travel within and outside Itasca County, Minnesota. The county presents a challenge to transportation planners, as it is the 3rd largest in the state by land area, but one of the smallest in terms of population. To gain an understanding of the key transportation needs, we held a series of focus groups, listening sessions, and one-on-one interviews, and also conducted background research that included demographic analysis, mapping of the “mis-match” between the location of jobs and where the workers lived, and a national scan of best practices in providing rural transportation. This work resulted in a number of recommendations ranging from improving bike routes and awareness of public transportation, to improving bus service linking Itasca County to Duluth and launching an online carpool service. The recommendations fall into five functional categories: • Policy and Administrative changes • Communications, Education and Outreach changes • Opportunities for Coordination and Cooperation • Operations, Maintenance and/or Service Improvements • Cost Sharing or Saving Opportunities