During Summer 2025, BFT team members shared an update on the project's progress and presented the proposed recommendations to the community. The team was out in the community at various events, including the Knight Street Transit Center, the Pasco Cinco de Mayo festival, the Pasco Flea Market, and the Kennewick Food Bank. They also shared the project update through community partners, such as community-based organizations, major employers, and government partners.

During the events and through partnerships in the community, the team shared how the proposed recommendations were informed by the initial community input from the first survey of summer 2024 that was analyzed. They shared how the survey data helped inform the proposed recommendations of the LRTP.

While sharing the proposed recommendations, the team also gathered feedback from the community about their priorities of the proposed recommendations. The community was asked to complete a short survey after learning about the proposed recommendations. The survey was available in both English and Spanish and could be accessed online and in print at all community events. Nearly 700 community members completed the survey, sharing their priorities for the recommendations with the team.

The short survey asked community participants to rank both the service priorities and the community infrastructure priorities, as well as the value of BFT services (rankings were calculated using a weighted average of survey respondents.).

Participants answered as follows:

Priorities were ranked from one to five, with one being the most important and five the least. Overall, participants showed a preference for expanded service hours and increased frequency. Their answers showed the team that the community wants buses that start earlier, end later, and run more often.

Among respondents, 82% had used BFT services within the previous three months. When comparing priorities by language, since surveys were done in both English and Spanish, both groups agreed that buses starting earlier in the morning was the second priority, and more frequent buses on key routes was third. The main differences were that English speakers ranked later night service first (while Spanish speakers ranked it last), and Spanish speakers ranked Sunday service first (while English speakers ranked it last).

Priorities were ranked from one to four, with one being the most important and four the least. Overall, participants cared most about improvements that make waiting for or riding the bus more convenient, such as shelters, benches, and safety features. Tools like apps or more customer service were seen as helpful but not as important as comfort and security.

A total of 608 participants responded to this question, which includes survey responses submitted in both English and Spanish. When comparing priorities by language, both English- and Spanish-speaking participants agreed that adding more bus stop amenities is the top priority. They also ranked safety improvements higher than better information or customer service. The main difference was fare payment options: English speakers saw them as the second most important, while Spanish speakers ranked them lowest.

Participants learned that, on average, a person living in the BFT area contributes approximately $15 a month towards funding BFT, and were asked to rank the value of BFT transit services provided to the region using excellent, good, fair, and poor.

• 229 participants ranked services as excellent
• 309 participants ranked services as good
• 67 participants ranked the services as fair
• 5 participants ranked the services as poor

Out of 611 participants who chose to respond and rank BFT services, a total of 488 participants reported using BFT services in the past three months. These participants tended to rank BFT services higher than people who had not used BFT services.

The survey concluded with an open-ended question where participants could share any comments or questions they had for the project team, and the following main themes were most prevalent in the responses:

• More frequent, expanded, and timely service
  • Survey respondents emphasized the need for more frequent service, earlier and later hours, and expanded Sunday and holiday service, with some calling for 24/7 options aligned to shift work and airport schedules. Others highlighted the importance of more direct routes to reduce travel time and make transit more convenient.
• Expand coverage to underserved areas
  • Participants asked for transit service to reach specific neighborhoods and growing areas such as Horn Rapids, Canyon Lakes, Badger Mountain, rural areas, and east Pasco. They also highlighted the need for stronger connections between Tri-Cities communities and better service to schools, the airport, and job centers.
• Bus stop amenities and safety
  • Many survey participants used the open-ended comment section to reinforce their infrastructure rankings and emphasized the need for improved amenities at bus stops and transit centers. Safety concerns were raised, particularly for young riders and those considered vulnerable. Riders also asked for more patrols and cameras.
• Improve rider experience and accessibility
  • Participants emphasized the need for real-time bus arrival information, simpler fare payment options such as mobile apps, additional customer service locations, and stronger bilingual support. Many also urged improvements to Dial-A-Ride, including quicker application processes and better accessibility for seniors and riders with disabilities.
• Appreciation for drivers, BFT service and general positive feedback
  • Many riders praised bus drivers for being friendly, helpful, and focused on safety, while also noting overall satisfaction with BFT services. Respondents appreciated affordable fares, free youth rides, and bike racks, and expressed gratitude for current services even as they suggested improvements.

The project team has analyzed this information and is using it where applicable to complete the LRTP this year. Once the draft Long-Range Transit Plan has been updated, the community will have another opportunity to review and provide feedback on the draft in November.