2026 Bus Rider Survey Results & Highlights
We asked for your feedback on our public bus services and you delivered! Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences. Your responses provide meaningful insight and help guide our work every day.
Our bus rider surveys provide valuable input from our riders and help us:
- identify what we’re doing well and where we can improve;
- understand where riders are going and why they choose to ride the bus; and
- plan changes to routes, stops, and schedules.
Survey Insights
So, what did we learn? Below is a snapshot of key highlights from the 2026 bus rider survey results.
Why do you ride the bus?
More than 49% of survey respondents ride TVT buses to get to work or participate in employment training. Riders also shared that they rely on the bus for many other everyday trips, including personal, recreational, and social outings, as well as shopping and medical appointments.
What influences your decision to ride?
Convenience plays a major role in why riders choose TVT, with 63% of respondents citing it as a key factor. Saving money is another important reason people ride. Nearly 42% of riders shared that the bus is their only transportation option, underscoring how essential public transit is for many rural Vermonters.
Riders shared very positive feedback about safety and customer service. More than 98% of respondents said that they feel safe riding TVT buses always or most of the time. Driver interactions received strong ratings, with 99% reporting that drivers are always or usually helpful and courteous. Dispatch staff were also viewed positively, with nearly 95% rating them as helpful and courteous always or most of the time.
Areas for Improvement
Riders also shared helpful feedback on where we can do better. Common themes included bus timeliness, expanded service schedules, and suggestions for additional bus stops and routes.
Your feedback is helping us strengthen staff training and make the best use of our resources so we can better serve riders where the need is greatest. Thank you to all who took the time to share their valuable thoughts with us!