SWUTC Research Project Description
Title of Project: An Examination of Density and Ridership in New Light Rail Cities
Project Number: 473700-00052
Principal Investigator:
Carol Lewis
(713) 313-7924
P.I. Affiliation: Texas Southern University
Project Monitor:
Ms. Miki Milovanovic
Metropolitan Transit Authority
(713) 739-4638
Project Status: Active
Date Started: 9/1/05
Estimation Completion Date: 8/31/06
Estimated Cost - Current Fiscal: $40,000
Estimated Cost - Total Planned: $40,000
Project Summary:
Project Abstract:
Most of the literature regarding successful rail transit systems argues that density is a precursor to gaining solid levels of ridership. There is little argument that higher density is likely to show positive correlation with rail success, as measured by ridership levels. However, there may be subtleties associated with this issue that offer clarity about how moderate density cities overcome the density advantage. Indeed, several cities with moderate density are having success with light rail transit. A number of moderate density cities are placing themselves in queue to follow their footsteps by planning light rail systems and seeking Federal funding for these systems. For years rail advocates have faced the question of density; opponents use a lack of density as a reason not to pursue rail. This work will examine whether there are elements that can serve as a density-balance, thus increasing the successes of moderate density cities with rail.
Project Objectives:
Discussion has long centered on whether a city’s spatial distribution of housing, employment and other trip generators is conducive to supporting rail transit. A city’s decision to construct rail transit is based on an array of variables. Among those considered to be most important are number of new riders, operating costs and construction costs. Although the question of density is not a direct variable in the list of criteria, numerous studies show a positive correlation with ridership, confirming density as an explanation for the number of riders a system will attract. For that reason, opponents of new rail systems often raise the lack of density as reason not to pursue rail. Numerous moderate density cities, among them San Diego and Portland, have successful light rail transit and many more cities are in various stages of pursuing this transportation alternative. As these cities consider their options and existing communities consider extensions, do the opponents of rail expansion have a valid point? Should cities of moderate density not consider rail transit and concentrate instead on the widely advocate bus rapid transit? This research explores this question and associated complexities surrounding density when considering rail transit.
Task Descriptions:
Task 1:
Review and update literature relative to density and ridership. Focus also on any assessments that would focus on bus rapid transit (BRT) as compared to those focusing on rapid or light rail.
Task 2:
From the Task 1 findings, confirm the criteria and elements that are contribute to transit ridership. These criteria are expected to include, but are not limited to income, cost to drive and park, cost of taking transit and characteristics of the service. Other elements important to ridership, such as the characteristics of the service will also be delineated.
Task 3:
A number of example cities will be assembled to examine on the basis of elements identified in Task 2. These cities will include a combination of rail and bus cities, with some newer and longer time systems to allow comparison of statistics across a range of variables.
Task 4:
The data will be synthesized and displayed using standard techniques for diversity-oriented research. The research team will make full use of the existing data on US DOT and US Census Bureau websites to ensure consistency across the City databases. Necessary supplemental information will be sought from individual cities as needed.
Task 5: Prepare the final report.
Index Terms:
Rail Transit; Light Rail Transit; Population Density; Ridership