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121 <br /> Technical Memorandum #1: Inventory of Current <br /> Organizational Direction and Service Delivery <br /> travel, is an important step in assessing the effectiveness of existing transit services and <br /> recommending improvements. <br /> Transit Dependence Index (TDI): Methodology <br /> The TDI is an aggregate measure that helps determine relative concentrations of <br /> potentially transit-dependent populations within a study area. The TDI utilizes data <br /> primarily from the 2005 - 2009 American Community Survey (ACS) five-year estimates <br /> because the ACS provides more detailed demographic data at the block group level <br /> (compared to the 2010 Census). The data collected from the ACS to incorporate into the <br /> TDI are described below. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping <br /> software, the TDI data for block groups in Orange County were mapped to display the <br /> location of transit-dependent populations. These locations were then overlaid with <br /> existing transit routes to identify geographic areas where transit service may be <br /> introduced or expanded to better serve transit-dependent populations. <br /> It should be noted that this analysis only portrayed existing fixed-route services <br /> in the demographic maps, and OPT and CHT also provide demand response and ADA <br /> paratransit services. While this analysis primarily identified gaps in fixed-route <br /> services, transit needs related to other types of service will also be evaluated through <br /> surveys, public input, and operating statistics. <br /> The TDI incorporated five population categories representing potentially transit- <br /> dependent persons to determine relative levels of transit need within Orange County: <br /> • No Vehicle Households (NV) - The number of households without an <br /> automobile. Lack of access to an automobile is one of the most significant <br /> factors in determining transit needs. <br /> • Elderly Population (E) - The number of people age 65 years and over. This <br /> group may include those who choose not to drive,have previously relied on a <br /> spouse for mobility, or face other factors associated with age that prohibits <br /> them from driving. <br /> • Youth Population (Y) - The number of people ages 10 to 17 years old. This <br /> group includes a significant number of persons who are old enough to travel <br /> on their own, but are not old enough to drive themselves or do not have a car <br /> available. <br /> • Persons with Disabilities Population3 (D) - The number of people age 16 <br /> and over who have a disability lasting six or more months, which makes it <br /> 3 Data on persons with disabilities is not collected from the 2005-2009 ACS because of an alteration to <br /> the question in the ACS that resulted in a disruption in reporting consistency. Therefore,recent 2010 <br /> OPT/CHT CTSP KFH <br /> and Consolidation Plan 1-10 <br />