Peer Analysis

Greenville Area Transit was compared to several peer transit agencies based on:

1. annual budget
2. similar area of coverage and population density,
3. number of vehicles in the fleet, and 
4. annual passengers. 

One interesting note was how small the service was compared to the peer systems; 

Danville (VA) Transit serves population of 48,500 with same equipment as GREAT (84,500)
GREAT has a healthy 19% ratio of cost recovery coming from fare collection.

The “College Prowler” was also consulted because of the importance of ECU to the City of Greenville. Most Universities about the size of ECU tended to rank low in perceived safety on campus and in town - if students are nervous on campus and in town they may also be reluctant to use the City Bus. 

Availability of shopping was ranked lower by ECU students than any of the other 4 campuses they were compared to, while variety of off campus dining ranked very high and Greenville was considered one of the most affordable towns for off-campus housing (68 out of 1,500 schools). 

Parking on and off campus was ranked “limited”; this creates a positive transit atmosphere. Transit was given a solid “B” for availability, with very few ECU students using GREAT – this “B” must be assumed to be for ECU bus service. There does appear to be some GREAT market opportunities with students that should be explored.