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Optimizing Public Transit Quality and System Access: The Multiple-Route, Maximal Covering/Shortest-Path Problem

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  • Changshan Wu

    (Department of Geography, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, PO Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA)

  • Alan T Murray

    (Department of Geography, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210-1361, USA)

Abstract

Public transit service is a promising travel mode because of its potential to address urban sustainability. However, current ridership of public transit is very low in most urban regions—particularly those in the United States. Low transit ridership can be attributed to many factors, among which poor service quality is key. Transit service quality may potentially be improved by decreasing the number of service stops, but this would be likely to reduce access coverage. Improving transit service quality while maintaining adequate access coverage is a challenge facing public transit agencies. In this paper we propose a multiple-route, maximal covering/shortest-path model to address the trade-off between public transit service quality and access coverage in an established bus-based transit system. The model is applied to routes in Columbus, Ohio. Results show that it is possible to improve transit service quality by eliminating redundant or underutilized service stops.

Suggested Citation

  • Changshan Wu & Alan T Murray, 2005. "Optimizing Public Transit Quality and System Access: The Multiple-Route, Maximal Covering/Shortest-Path Problem," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 32(2), pages 163-178, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirb:v:32:y:2005:i:2:p:163-178
    DOI: 10.1068/b31104
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Mark Horner & Tony Grubesic, 2001. "A GIS-based planning approach to locating urban rail terminals," Transportation, Springer, vol. 28(1), pages 55-77, February.
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