Innovative Concepts in First-Last Mile Connections to Public Transportation
Congestion within the world's transport systems continues to worsen despite rising fuel prices, harsh economic times, energy security issues, and evidence that transportation-related greenhouse gases (GHG) from the combustion of fossil fuels are contributing to the erosion of our natural environment. Despite these issues, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) of single occupant vehicles (SOV) continue to rise and transit ridership struggles. Individuals demand a transport system that is both flexible and convenient. A majority of travelers prefer the automobile, providing door-to-door service, as the most reliable and convenient form of transport. This reality increases VMT and compounds congestion and related environmental impacts. It is well known that a vibrant transit system such as a subway, commuter rail, or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line can provide an energy-efficient, safe, and practical way of accomplishing necessary trips. However, beyond the core service area of a transit service, attractiveness and efficiency quickly diminish for the user. The 1/2 to 1-mile radius outside the core is referred to as the first-last mile. Individuals either choose not to walk to the system, or find it difficult, unsafe, or insufficient in meeting their needs and quickly turn to the auto for mobility. In the United States, a dispersed pattern of land use is predominant outside urbanized regions. Schools, homes, industry, and retail districts are scattered and difficult to serve with anything other than an automobile. This trend is also growing internationally. The growth of the suburb-to-suburb commute complicates the use of fixed-route transit systems. Annual VMT grew steadily over the last four decades and only recently declined as a result of a slowing economy. There are a host of policies and strategies being developed or deployed to meet the first-last mile challenge. Operational strategies and technologies are being developed or enhanced to meet the mobility needs of a growing population, anticipating demand for cleaner, cheaper, and more flexible options to combat growing congestion and environmental concerns.
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Availability:
- Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780784413210
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Supplemental Notes:
- © 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers
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Corporate Authors:
American Society of Civil Engineers
1801 Alexander Bell Drive
Reston, VA United States 20191-4400 -
Authors:
- Lesh, Matthew Curtis
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Conference:
- Third International Conference on Urban Public Transportation Systems
- Location: Paris , France
- Date: 2013-11-17 to 2013-11-20
- Publication Date: 2013
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Web
- Pagination: pp 63-74
- Monograph Title: Urban Public Transportation Systems 2013
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Environmental impacts; Greenhouse gases; Mobility; Public transit; Strategic planning; Suburbs; Technological innovations; Traffic congestion; Vehicle miles of travel
- Subject Areas: Environment; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; I15: Environment; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01500639
- Record Type: Publication
- ISBN: 9780784413210
- Files: TRIS, ASCE
- Created Date: Dec 4 2013 1:57PM