An analysis of alternative transit routing patterns in low density urban areas

The purpose of this study was to analyze alternative hypothetical transit routing patterns in low density urban areas. Four hypothetical areas, of differing sizes and shapes, were used to test various routing patterns in terms of their service efficiency. The primary service efficiency factors used to evaluate the routing patterns were the number of vehicle miles, the amount of passenger travel time, and the coverage area of the route. Four basic types of routing patterns were used including line routes, circular loop routes, narrow loop routes, and meandering loop routes.

A second important part of the research involved evaluation and application of the research results. Four methods were proposed for real world applications of the research results. First, a single and multiple criteria ranking approach to decision making was outlined in the study. Secondly, an incremental cost effectiveness approach to decision making was discussed. The third approach to decision making outlined how cost constraints could be accommodated by varying the frequency of service and incorporating this element into the decision making process. Finally, the last method of decision making involved the use of incremental cost analysis along with variable service frequencies. In each of these successively more complicated approaches to decision making, the role of planners and operators in educating policymakers becomes more important.

The primary data analysis procedure used in data assembly for this research was a package of programs known as the Urban Transportation Planning System (uTps). By using hypothetical low density areas and simulated transit routes that connect with a main line transit route to the central city, the analysis of various passenger service components was conducted.

The major findings of this research included the following. There were significant consistencies in the results of the research with respect to the one circular loop pattern and the line route patterns. The one circular loop pattern was the least expensive to operate in the four areas, but it did not provide good areal coverage or low passenger travel times. Line routes provided very good (low) passenger travel times but were expensive to operate. The most significant variations in the results occurred with respect to coverage area and competitiveness with the walk mode. Depending on the size and shape of an area, different types of routes can be the most effective in terms of coverage area and competitiveness with the walk mode (when traveling to a transfer point).

The choice of a particular approach to decision making will be determined by the desires of decision makers for more detailed and more precise information. As the number of options is increased and the amount of data needed to make informed decisions is increased, the decision making process will become more complex. This research provides an example of how the decision making process can be approached, along with the types of considerations which decision makers need to be aware of when formulating their policies.