MIALS Bus Survey Results
MIALS Bus Survey Results: A Community Snapshot
We had a grand time at the Farmer’s Market on the July long weekend! In case you didn’t stop by, MIALS sought feedback about its Day Tripper bus service. This engagement has provided valuable insights into the community’s perception and potential use of the Day Tripper bus program. With an array of age groups participating in an interactive survey and a total of approximately 65 participants,, the results offer some understanding of the community’s needs and preferences. Here are some of the findings:
Age Range Representation
Participants were categorized into five age groups: under 18, 19-30, 31-50, 51-65, and 66+. The representation across these age groups highlights a broad community interest in the Day Tripper bus service, with notable participation from the 51-65 and 66+ age ranges, indicating a significant interest among older adults.
Awareness of the Day Tripper Bus
When asked how they heard about the Day Tripper bus, the majority of respondents across all age groups indicated that word of mouth was the primary source of information. Specifically, the 66+ age group cited this as the primary way they learned about the program. Among the 31-50 and 51-65 age groups, social media also played a crucial role, suggesting that digital outreach could be an effective tool for increasing awareness.
Motivations for Using the Bus
“Exploring New Places” emerged as the top motivator for using the Day Tripper bus, especially among participants aged 51-65 and 66+. “Meeting New People” was another significant factor, particularly for the younger participants (under 18 and 19-30). This suggests that the bus service can serve as a social catalyst, fostering community connections and exploration.
Preferred Activities
When it comes to activities, respondents showed a preference for a mix of organized events and free time. This hybrid approach was particularly popular among the 66+ age group, with 13 participants expressing interest. Many respondents also indicated a need for transportation to run personal errands, emphasizing the dual role of the bus service in providing both structured and flexible options.
Frequency of Use
The survey also revealed a varied frequency of intended use with “Occasional Use” being the most common response across all age groups, particularly among participants aged 66+. Monthly usage also saw notable interest, particularly among the 51-65 and 66+ age groups.
Preferred Times of Day
While acknowledging that we must work with the existing BC Ferries schedule, the most convenient times for bus departures across all age groups were early mornings. Mid-day departures also garnered interest, particularly among participants aged 51-65. Evening returns were less popular but still saw interest, especially among the 66+ age groups.
Final Thoughts
The results of the Mayne Island Assisted Living Bus survey provide us with a better picture of the community’s needs and preferences. The data suggests a strong interest in using the Day Tripper bus service for social and recreational purposes, particularly among older adults. Word of mouth and social media have been effective in spreading awareness, and a mix of organized events and free time activities appears to be the most appealing.
These insights will be instrumental in shaping the future of the Day Tripper bus service, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of the Mayne Island community. We also use this data in grant applications and measuring our impact in the community. MIALS is committed to using this feedback to enhance the service, making it a valuable resource for all residents.
Thank you! Thank you for participating, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, thank you for volunteering and engaging in these programs that help us all to age in place here on Mayne. As we move forward, continued community engagement and feedback will be crucial in refining and expanding the Day Tripper bus service.
Stop by the MIALS booth at the August 3 Farmers Market to learn about our upcoming organized trips, or reserve your spot on the bus at mials.org/day-tripper !
-Robin Poncia