Rural transportation systems offer critical connectivity to residents, visitors, and businesses needing to access destinations. However, rural transportation offers particular challenges, as well. Distances between origin and destination are often long, making it more difficult, time-consuming, and expensive to reach jobs, education, health care, social activities, and other quality of life services and activities.

WTI is leading a research program with the National Association of Development Organizations that will benefit communities around the nation by providing critical information and technical assistance to develop transportation projects that are expected to generate economic outcomes. The focus will be on project that support three strategies: improving quality of life, supporting a rural workforce, and bolstering economic development. The scope of work consists of overall project management and assistance to at least three regions or communities.

This project represents one of the individual community efforts. The project team will examine opportunities for expanding the availability of transit within Graham County, Arizona, and between Graham County and neighboring areas, particularly connecting to workplaces, essential daily services, and training and education sites. This work will include analyzing possible operational strategies and developing marketing and communications.