A RESIDENTIAL-EMPLOYMENT MATRIX FOR EVALUATING PUBLIC TRANSIT SERVICE DELIVERY: IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC POLICY AND ENERGY CONSERVATION

This research proposes to evaluate alternative methods currently employed to improve accessibility to dispersed employment centers. Previous studies provide insight into the nature of service configuration patterns, institutional arrangements for increasing service effectiveness, and the design and utilization of appropriate marketing strategies and practices to meet customer needs and improve public transit service delivery. Between 1970-1980 the growth in suburban areas mushroomed as a result of sprawling development patterns induced by an automobile-oriented transportation infrastructure. The suburban growth has resulted in the creation of more densely-developed minihubs in many metropolitan areas. Such clustering of development has produced a viable base on which to develop a network of suburban transit routes. The study examines the feasibility of service configuration patterns that focus on a residential-employment linkage and how to achieve a variety of service objectives: serving existing riders at less cost; improving service to strategic market segments, such as urban and elderly riders; and attracting new markets at the least incremental cost. The methodologies employed provide a mix of bus, van and car-pool service and a system of 'reverse commuting' for central city residents through existing suburban services. The overall objective is to evaluate public transit service delivery models and determine the efficacy for providing better service to diverse markets.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Supported by a grant from the Office of the Governor of the State of Texas, Energy Office.
• Corporate Authors:

  Texas Southern University, Houston

  Center for Transportation Training and Research, 3100 Cleburne Avenue
  Houston, TX  United States  77004
• Authors:
  • Seaborn, S J
  • Wooten, R
• Publication Date: 1994-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References;
• Pagination: 57 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Business districts; Energy conservation; Improvements; Level of service; Multimodal transportation; Residential areas; Reverse commuting; Suburbs
• Uncontrolled Terms: Employment centers
• Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00664658
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Transit Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: SWUTC-94-60036-1
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 30 1994 12:00AM