Community-Driven Solutions in Public Transit-Deprived Regions: A case study of Rural Rides, a community transportation initiative in southeast New Brunswick

Abstract

This study focuses on Rural Rides’ original service area, the Salisbury-Petitcodiac region of southeast New Brunswick. By revealing in-depth details about how Rural Rides emerged, currently operates, and exists within the transportation planning context of the Salisbury-Petitcodiac region, this report explores the viability of the Rural Rides CTI ("community transportation initiative") model as a transportation option for public transit deprived regions elsewhere in New Brunswick or Canada. The report also illuminates areas of improvement within the Rural Rides model, explores policy support needed, and describes barriers to success of such community initiatives. As such, the report concludes with 8 recommendations intended for multiple actors. This report uses the research methods of geographic analysis, document analysis, and semi-structured key informant interview to reach the findings that inform the recommendations.