Factors Which Influence the Homeless Population's Use of Public Transportation

Date of Graduation

Fall 1990

Degree

Master of Science in Geospatial Sciences

Department

Geography, Geology, and Planning

Committee Chair

Paul Rollinson

Abstract

This study used a level of analysis conceptual framework. The sources of data used were: a survey of 47 shelter residents, participant observation in the shelters, personal interviews, bus route information, and memorandums from the Kansas City Bus Company to its advisory council representing low income populations. Four shelters were studied. The homeless population at these shelters have limited access to transportation. Half of the homeless did not use the bus even though just thirteen percent of this population owned automobiles. Of those that used the bus, only seventeen percent used reduced fare devices, such as tokens. Public transportation usage was found to be influenced by the cost of the bus fare and the type of shelters used. Transitional shelters were found to offer greater access to reduced fares than street shelters.

Subject Categories

Earth Sciences

Copyright

© David Arnold Weber

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Dissertation/Thesis

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