UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies

This project aims to improve public transportation in Siskiyou County through data analytics, case studies, and innovative transportation models, with goals to increase ridership, optimize route coverage, and enhance system efficiency. The approach includes quantitative data analysis using LODES, Google Maps POI, and STAGE transit data, alongside a comprehensive literature review and an assessment of current system accessibility. Semi-structured interviews with local planners, city officials, and transit professionals provide additional insights. The access analysis reveals significant gaps in coverage for lodging, tourist attractions, home locations, and work locations. Proposed interventions include a South County Hub-and-Spoke System, Siskiyou Seasonal Explorer Programs, partnered and subsidized rideshare, and community engagement initiatives. Identified grant opportunities, such as the FTA Section 5310 program, the Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program, and the California State Transportation Agency Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, support these enhancements. Implementing these recommendations will create a more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly public transportation system, enhancing mobility, economic development, and quality of life for Siskiyou County’s residents and visitors. These strategies offer a replicable model for other rural regions, emphasizing strategic planning and targeted investment to make rural public transit systems more robust and responsive to community needs.