SWUTC Research Project Description
Characterizing Transit Passenger Access Decisions (Continuation of 167806 funded 9/1/99)
Project Number: 167225
Principal Investigator:
Randy Machemehl
(512) 471-4541
P.I. Affiliation: University of Texas at Austin
Project Monitor:
Sam Archer
Capital Metropolitan Transit Authority
(512) 389-7546
Project Status: Active
Date Started: 9/1/00
Estimation Completion Date: 8/31/01
Estimated Cost – Current Fiscal (9/1/00-8/31/01): $26,000
Estimated Cost – Previous Fiscal (9/1/99-8/31/00): $32,000
Estimated Cost – Total Planned: $58,000
Project Summary
Project Abstract:
Predictions of transit passenger access times are very important for demand estimates and scheduling algorithms for public transportation system. Several researchers have proposed a variety of functional relationships between passenger socio-economics status, transit service attributes and passenger access times, however, few have contributed primary data describing actual transit passenger access times. Passenger access time data with related characteristics will be collected in the Austin and Dallas Areas. These data will be processed and analyzed to identify significant relationships and develop predictive models. Comparisons of traditional and new models will be developed and characteristics underlying results will be identified.
Project Objectives:
The objectives of this study are:
- Conduct comprehensive literature review of traditional transit passenger access time models;
- Collect complete and precise field transit passenger access time data and thoroughly analyze these collected data;
- Develop predictive passenger access time models and compare them to traditional versions;
- Identify various specific characteristics of transit passenger access time underlying the analysis results.
Task Descriptions:
The research team will work closely with the project monitor and expects to receive excellent support from Capital Metro in Austin and DART in Dallas. The proposed work plan is organized into five tasks and is outlined as follows:
Task1. Literature Review
A comprehensiveliterature review will be conducted by the research team. Previous research on bus passenger access time will be carefully examined and systematically analyzed. Besides this, considerable information regarding transit passenger access time will also be obtained through the websites. These various efforts will provide a basis for later analysis and modeling efforts, as well as, comparisons of new models to traditional concepts.
Task 2. Data Collection
Data collection is a relatively significant activity for this study. Primary data characterizing transit traveler access time will be collected for bus transit and rail transit passengers. Capital Metro in Austin and Dallas Area Rail Transit will be the two main transit companies. Based on the literature review, various characteristics that may have effects on passenger access time including transit user socio-economic situation, transit service and transport facilities, and related urban area characteristics. will be collected. Survey measures using the least invasive techniques will be used. These may include passenger surveys, which will require close cooperation with appropriate transit authorities.
Task 3. Data Analysis
Transit passenger access time data and related predictor variables will be examined and relationships will be sought. Different methodologies will be designed to analyze the effects of these predictors on passenger access time. Graphical and theoretical concepts will be proposed. Traditional transit passenger access time analysis will be evaluated, revised and compared to new concepts.
Task 4. Model Comparisons
Traditional model and new developed models will be evaluated and compared. The related underlying characteristics will be examined and identified. Access time comparisons among several bus transit services operating in Austin and rail transit service operating in Dallas will be provided.
Task 5. Final Report
A comprehensive final report will be developed. Proposed new models, revised traditional models, and comparisons of modeling efforts will be included. Characteristics regarding transit passenger access time will be identified and presented in this final report.
Index Terms:
Passengers, Accessibility, Bus Stops, Walking Distance, Waiting Time