Princeton begins second phase of transit study, schedules focus groups and outreach ahead of EV bus arrivals

Princeton officials said the town is moving into the second phase of a transit study and will begin stakeholder focus groups and public outreach in coming weeks.

The council heard that the town hired Nelson Nygaard to conduct the study and has completed a needs and demand analysis. "The next phase of the project after having done a needs and demand study, based on demographics and, the location of the destinations and and the origins of people, is to meet with focus groups of, different types of stakeholders," said Jim (Staff member). He said focus groups will include the business community, the health community, residential and multifamily developments, Princeton Housing Authority, Princeton Community Village and the public schools.

Council staff said the outreach will include virtual focus groups starting next week and pop-up events at the Dinky Station, Palmer Square, the public library (which covers the farmers market), and the Princeton Shopping Center. "All of that will be compiled, the focus group information, the public outreach information, and we plan to be back here on February 24 at the council meeting for a presentation on their findings," Jim said.

Officials also noted an operational change coming to the municipal transit fleet: staff said new electric (EV) buses are expected to arrive at some point this year, and the study will consider how to expand services in light of that transition.

Why it matters: the outreach is intended to shape service changes — including possible route or frequency adjustments and planning for EV bus deployment — and council members said the study will help prioritize grant-seeking for phased improvements.