This paper investigates the nexus of transit and rural livability as demonstrated by case studies in the North Dakota communities of Valley City and Dickinson. While there are many factors that influence the livability of a rural community, transit is believed to be an important contributor. For each of the two North Dakota communities considered, public/resident surveys, local transit rider surveys, and stakeholder interviews were conducted to understand differing opinions on livability and how transit contributes to livability. In both Valley City and Dickinson, surveys of residents showed that they believe affordable housing, low crime, quality healthcare, overall cost of living, quality public schools, and available jobs are the most important factors contributing to the livability of a small community. While transit was not among the top factors, survey respondents expressed considerable support for providing transit services and funding transit through various sources. Residents in both cities expressed the opinion that transit should be provided in their community as a transportation option for seniors, people with disabilities, those who choose not to drive, and those who cannot afford to drive. Transit riders in both cities indicated that transit is important to their quality of life, and stakeholders from both communities expressed the sentiment that transit is a critical lifeline for people who are elderly and/or have a disability, individuals with no vehicle, and those who cannot drive.

中文翻译：

---

探索公交对农村社区宜居性的贡献：以北达科他州山谷市和迪金森市为例

本文以山谷城市和迪金森的北达科他州社区为例，研究了过境与农村宜居性之间的联系。尽管有许多因素影响农村社区的宜居性，但人们认为过境是重要的因素。对于所考虑的北达科他州的两个社区，分别进行了公共/居民调查，当地过境乘客调查以及利益相关者访谈，以了解有关宜居性以及过境如何对宜居性做出不同的看法。在硅谷市和迪金森市，对居民的调查表明，他们认为经济适用房，低犯罪率，优质医疗保健，整体生活费用，优质公立学校和可提供的工作是造成小社区宜居性的最重要因素。虽然过境不是最主要的因素，但受访者表示支持通过各种来源提供过境服务和为过境提供资金。两个城市的居民都表示，应该在社区内提供过境服务，作为老年人，残疾人，选择不开车和无力开车的交通方式。两个城市的过境人士都表示过境对于他们的生活质量至关重要，两个社区的利益相关者都表示，过境对于老年人和/或残障人士，没有车辆的人以及无法开车。两个城市的居民都表示，应该在社区内提供过境服务，作为老年人，残疾人，选择不开车和无力开车的交通方式。两个城市的过境人士都表示过境对于他们的生活质量至关重要，两个社区的利益相关者都表示，过境对于老年人和/或残障人士，没有车辆的人以及无法开车。两个城市的居民都表示，应该在社区内提供过境服务，作为老年人，残疾人，选择不开车和无力开车的交通方式。两个城市的过境人士都表示过境对于他们的生活质量至关重要，两个社区的利益相关者都表示，过境对于老年人和/或残障人士，没有车辆的人以及无法开车。