Morrisville Public Transportation Study

Needs Assessment

Strengths

Attracting New Jobs Jobs are major trip generators and encourage public transportation ridership. Morrisville has added a significant number of jobs, with employment growing by approximately 4.1% annually. 4 New Development New development creates additional demand for public transportation. Currently, Morrisville has 19 new developments under construction, six approved developments, and 10 developments in review. 5 Housing Affordability High housing costs mean that few people who are more likely to use public transportation – such as households without a vehicle or with lower incomes – may not be able to afford to live in Morrisville, limiting the potential market for service. Parking Areas with limited parking and high parking costs make public transportation a more attractive option. In Morrisville, parking is abundant and nearly all parking is free.

Attracting New Residents Larger populations and higher

population density generate more public transportation ridership. Morrisville is attracting significant numbers of new residents, with population growing by approximately 5.6% every year. 3 Housing Density Population density is one of the highest indicators of public transportation demand, and housing density is an important factor in the success of public transportation. Twenty-eight percent of residential buildings in Morrisville consist of 10 or more units. Development Patterns Housing and employment density are the top drivers of demand for public transportation. While Morrisville does have pockets of density, these pockets are spread out among areas of very low density. Street Network Bus transportation is constrained by the street network. Service works best in areas with connected street grids. Morrisville’s street network primarily consists of cul-de-sacs, connected by major roads that are not conducive to bus transportation. Additionally, Morrisville is split east and west by the North Carolina Railroad.

Weaknesses

3 US Census American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2013-2017) 4 US Census American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2013-2017) 5 Town of Morrisville, April 2019 data

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