Survey Overview
The Alternatives Survey gauged the public’s preferences on transit alternatives for SR 436, specific transit improvements, and priorities in promoting community health. From June 14,
The preferred alternative was to convert existing right-turn lanes to business access and transit (BAT) lanes with service from Orlando International Airport (OIA) to the Altamonte Springs SunRail Station (“SunRail”). Regarding improvements, more frequent bus service, less travel time, and bicycle and pedestrian connections were the most valued. Connecting neighborhoods, funding reliable service, and affordable housing were ranked as top priorities for supporting community health goals along SR 436.
Future Transit Alternatives
Respondents were asked to rate the transit alternative approach on SR 436 from one star to five stars. There were four alternatives to choose from: A, B, C1, and C2. For more information about these alternatives click here. Out of the four alternatives, Alternative B—which converts existing right-turn lanes to BAT lanes with service from OIA to SunRail—received the highest ranking with an average of about 3.7 stars (224 respondents total). Alternative C1—which widens SR 436 to accommodate median-running exclusive lanes—was the least preferred choice among respondents with an average ranking of 3.35 and the greatest percentage of one-star rankings (18%).
Investments in Premium Transit
Respondents were asked to allocate a budget to different transit elements. Funds were represented by ten coins of equal value. Respondents chose how to divide these coins over seven transit improvement options. Respondents valued more frequent bus service over other transit improvements provided.
Supporting Community Health
The final survey question was about supporting community health and asked respondents about their preferred strategies to enhance quality of life along the SR 436 corridor. Eight options were presented as strategies to enhance community health and respondents ranked their top three.
Connecting Neighborhoods received mostly positive feedback reflecting attitudes that leaned toward linking places through transit to make traveling healthier, safer and less stressful.
“If the neighborhoods are connected it will help in safety. Riding the bus is not just about not having a car but an alternative and less stressful way of life.”
A common suggestion offered by respondents was that bus stops would be better with more amenities including trashcans, bus shelters and seats, bus stop security and safety, and off-board ticketing machines. In addition, fare medium integration with services like SunRail was suggested.
On affordable housing, feedback was mixed. Some respondents questioned whether the SR 436 corridor is the right area—from a density and land use perspective—for affordable housing efforts.
Respondents were asked about the frequency of their transit use on SR 436, ranging from daily use to never having ridden transit. A total of 174 individuals provided an answer to this question. Results from this question show a diverse split of responses: about 26% of respondents use transit on SR 436 daily and another 26% never use transit on SR 436. Eighteen percent of respondents use transit on SR 436 at least once a week, 16% use transit on the corridor once a year, and 14% use it one a month.
Home and Work Location
Respondents were also asked about the zip code they reside, work, and/or attend school in. Fifty individuals provided their place of residence zip code and 56 provided the zip codes to their work and/or school locations. As shown, respondents live or work near SR 436.
