In rural communities with limited transportation options, transit provides lifeline mobility connecting people with services. Nelson\Nygaard designs successful systems that address the challenges of rural and intercity transit (long distances, minimal funding, limited road networks). Our plans typically include:

Nelson\Nygaard assesses the real transportation needs of rural and small communities. We combine analysis of census data and current transportation use with comprehensive community outreach: visiting community centers, hospitals, clinics, social service agencies, and tribal communities to determine specific local concerns.

Our firm develops short- and long-range plans that balance the need for point-to-point transportation services with the need to maximize system efficiency and resource allocation. Nelson\Nygaard creates plans with the full expectation that they will be put into service. Whether the firm is hired to enhance an existing system or build a new system from scratch, we will see the plan through implementation.

We help municipalities understand the complex matrix of changes to existing infrastructure, policies, and design guidelines needed for a functional pedestrian and bike network. We document weak linkages in existing pedestrian networks, prioritize locations for new infrastructure and amenities, and rewrite municipal codes and standards.