November 18, 2016 by Jefferson Regional Foundation BY JIM SPEZIALETTI | Monday, Nov. 7, 2016, 5:45 p.m. The staff at Economic Development South is partnering with the Jefferson Regional Foundation to assess the transportation needs of residents of the Route 51 corridor. The Delta Development Group is conducting an online survey on behalf of EDS to identify if there is a need for new transportation services. The survey has seven questions and respondents can make comments or suggestions. “We’re working to identify alternatives,” said Stephanie Miller, EDS deputy director. She said any new transportation service wouldn’t compete with Port Authority of Allegheny County. “We want to look at how to improve multi-module transportation.” The foundation provided EDS with a $50,000 grant for the survey, according to Mary Phan-Gruber, executive director of foundation. “Transportation is a huge challenge,” Phan-Gruber said. “There are no simple, easy answers.” The foundation, created in 2013 when Jefferson Regional Hospital became part of the Allegheny Health Network, focuses on improving the health and well-being of the Jefferson Hospital service area. Phan-Gruber said the survey will help to gather transportation information for places like the hospital, Community College of Allegheny County South campus and the refugee population. Miller said a good example would be how people get to AHN Jefferson Hospital because the facility on Coal Valley Road is away from the main road. “If they take the bus and get dropped off on (Route) 51, how will they get up the hill?” Miller said. “The survey will give us a better understanding of how people are moving along the corridor.” Alternative services could be a shuttle bus, van, taxi or ride-sharing program. The Port Authority’s 55 Glassport bus does make a stop at the hospital’s main entrance. The survey will be online until the end of the month. Miller said findings of the survey would be posted on the EDS website around February. To participate in the survey, visit surveymonkey.com/r/ZCTB3CT. Jim Spezialetti is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 412-388-5805 or jspezialetti@tribweb.com. http://triblive.com/local/southhills/11409582-74/survey-transportation-hospital
