Survey shines light: bus use and news sources

MAT-SU – A recent phone survey of 405 MAT-SU residents gathered information on bus ridership and news sources.

Two years ago, Matanuska-Susitna Borough Manager John Duffy began the surveys to gain baseline data on how the Borough is doing and how it can improve. One of the recurring questions invites residents to grade the Borough. Some 75 percent of surveyed residents said “things in the MAT-SU were going okay.” The Borough government received these grades: “A” from 4 percent, a “B” from 34 percent, a “C” from 43 percent.
“I'm pleased with the high marks from citizens on whether we're on the right track,” Duffy said.
The survey tried to learn what MAT-SU residents think about public transportation via the bus. For example, 49 percent of the residents said that the bus, as environmentally friendly, was not a significant reason to ride the bus. Some 44 percent thought $5 for a one-way ride to Anchorage was “cheap.” Some 33 percent said $2 for a one-way ride from Wasilla to Palmer was “about right.”
“We got a lot of great information on transit and what MAT-SU residents think,” Duffy said. “This will allow us to enhance our public transportation.”
The Borough Assembly recently voted in support of a Regional Transit Authority.
Another subject of the phone survey focused on where residents access information and were they receiving Borough news. Some 31 percent said they “get enough,” 66 percent said they “would like more.” Outranking traditional new sources, subscription email had 38 percent of residents saying it would be a very effective means to reach them. Twitter hasn't yet taken hold here. Some 52 percent said Twitter is not effective in reaching them, 38 percent weren't sure.
“I'm happy to learn our citizens appear to be engaged with what we're doing and want to know more,” Duffy said.
Ivan Moore Research conducted the survey. This February 2009 survey was longer than previous surveys.
For more information, call Public Affairs Director Patty Sullivan 907.745.9577 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
A copy of the Ivan Moore survey is at this link on the right.
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