HART Community Survey Ilium Associates Inc. July–August 2009

Random sample of adults aged 18 and over Random digit dialing Surveys geographically across the county 600 interviews were conducted Interviews lasted 15 minutes Range of error +/– 4% at 95% confidence level HOW THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED

Traffic congestion is the most important issue facing Hillsborough County –34% of respondents named it first –29% said the economy and jobs –High taxes were mentioned by 21% –Women see traffic congestion as a serious issue –People aged also share that concern SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

Benefits of Public Transit –65% of respondents agree that having transit was important to the county –Provides mobility to people without cars –Women see a social need –People with household incomes of $50,000 or higher see transit as reducing congestion –No relation to creating jobs SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

Fundamental Shift in Public Opinion –2006 Survey: Public’s first priority was to add lanes on existing roads –2009 Survey: Transit is the Public’s first option, building some form of rail –2009 Survey also recorded increases in the Public’s interest in expanding bus and paratransit services SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

Funding Transit –40% said current level of funding was right –22% want it to be less –29% would support increased taxes if it funded more service –People who support funding are equally split male and female –People who support more funding are more likely to be employed than retired SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

Funding Transit –Question: We need to make an investment in roads and transit to ensure a stronger local economy in the future –57% strongly agree, 31% somewhat agree –Strong public sentiment that these are extraordinary times and not a good time to ask for a tax increase –79% stated that the county needs to make a significant commitment to expand transit SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

Funding Transit –Question: Hillsborough County is considering a 1% Sales Tax to improve transit, roads –67% support the 1% proposal –33% would definitely vote for and 34% probably –15% definitely vote against –Definite support in Tampa and Brandon –Highest opposition in Lutz, Temple Terrace, Apollo Beach, Plant City and Carrollwood –Including roadway improvements improves support SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

Funding Transit –Women support the tax in higher numbers than men –65% of Caucasians –77% of African Americans –87% of Hispanics –Households in the lower middle income levels support the measure as do households with incomes over $100,000 SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

Public image of HART improved Public image of its services improved Public transit is no longer for just those who cannot afford a car Too many people don’t know about HART service Elderly and disabled service is important to the community OTHER SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS