Key West Transit Development Plan FY2025-2034

4.3 Phase I: In-Person Outreach & Pop-up Events

» High tourist numbers were observed and predominantly reported they opt for private transportation. » Lack of awareness about existing transit services among the public, despite Key West being a small city. » Inconsistent ridership throughout the day for routes other than the Duval Loop. » Concerns raised by riders regarding the lack of stop signs, causing confusion when boarding buses. English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole language versions of the survey were prepared in hard copy and digital format ( see Appendix D ). The survey was developed using the Survey Monkey platform. It included twenty-three questions related to demographic information and questions about respondents' experience using the transit system and service alternative preferences. The survey closed on March 30, 2024 with a total of 254 responses collected and summarized in the following subsection. Survey responses are organized into the following four major categories: Demographic Information: Include questions about respondents’ race, age, household income, and other demographic information. This information allows KWT to better understand who is using their services. Customer Profile: Questions in this category query users about how they use the service and for what reasons. Customer Service: Customer service questions gauge satisfaction with current KWT service. Service Improvements: Critical to the TDP process, respondents were asked about what improvements could be made to make KWT better for them.

The survey team boarded Key West buses to survey bus riders directly; this was the most effective way to gather input from riders. The results of the on-board survey effort proved to be the most robust set of feedback collected among all the engagement efforts performed for this TDP Major Update. The interview-style approach for the onboard survey effort effectively achieved rider input by conversing and engaging with people who utilize KWT services to meet their travel needs. Onboard surveys allowed an opportunity for anecdotal feedback while having conversations about KWT service. Onboard surveys covered all fixed routes and on-demand service, times of day, and days of the week, to talk to riders using the system at different timespans and to gain feedback concerning existing service and future service alternatives. Surveyors boarded the Lower Keys Shuttle, Workforce Express, Duval Loop, and Key West Rides on Demand service, spread from early morning to late night for weekday and weekend services. Onboard Key Takeaways: The surveyors observed the overall ease of use for all services and identified the following key takeaways: » Workforce Express: Experienced high ridership during peak hours (8:30 AM & 4:30 PM) for commuting to and from Key West and nearby destinations. Occasional delays of 10-15 minutes were noted however, the overall on-time performance was reliable and the drivers were helpful. » Key West Rides (On-Demand Service): Limited usage was observed with wait times ranging from 40-60 minutes according to the user app. » Duval Loop: Identified as the most popular and regularly used service among Key West Transit routes, particularly utilized by tourists and a few locals. » Lower Keys Shuttle: Inconsistent ridership throughout the day. Locals expressed a strong interest in transit improvements.

Transit Development Plan FY 2025–2034

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