Public Transportation

The disparity between transit agency travel predictions and the unpredictable nature of real-world travel behavior contributes to inefficiencies within the transit system. To address this challenge, we propose a bottom-up transit planning approach that leverages extensive Location-Based Services (LBS) data and General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) data for Dallas, Texas. The LBS dataset used in this study is comprised of approximately 12.43 billion records from 6.5 million users. This rich dataset is combined with GTFS data to analyze vehicle routing behavior and identify transit...

Transit signal priority (TSP) is a control strategy that has been used extensively to improve transit operations in urban networks. However, several issues related to TSP deployment—including the effect of TSP on auto traffic and the provision of priority to transit vehicles traveling in conflicting directions at traffic signals—have not yet been addressed satisfactorily by existing control systems. This paper presents a real-time, traffic-responsive signal control system for signal priority on conflicting transit routes that also minimizes the negative effects on auto traffic. The...

When considering public transit, travelers typically judge whether it serves desired destinations in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost – often in comparison to traveling by private vehicle. How public transit agencies choose to operate their services – their networks, service frequency, and fare structures – to compete with private vehicles and provide mobility for those without them is the subject of this synthesis. Specifically, we examine the "make" or "buy" decision in public transit: Should government agencies operate (make) transit service directly, or does it save money to...

Urban public transport services generally run at a large deficit. This has led public authorities to seek efficiencies, notably through private sector involvement. Support for the sector traditionally seeks to provide basic mobility services to all segments of society, including low-income users. Intervention is also required to manage the natural tendency towards concentration and market power in the provision of these transport services. Policy towards urban public transport is increasingly aimed at managing congestion on the roads and mitigating CO2 emissions by substituting for...