Comparison of Level-of-Service Methodologies for Pedestrian Sidewalks
This paper describes how the level of service (LOS) concept has been traditionally used to assess quality of operations of transportation facilities. The 2000 Highway Capacity Manual (HCM 2000) offers level of service criteria for pedestrian facilities based on measures similar to those used for motorized LOS. However, the multi faceted aspects involved in pedestrian movements can be more intricate than the movements of other modes. Some of the factors related with quality of service can be qualitative rather than quantitative and are often difficult to measure. Determining the LOS of pedestrian facilities can be a difficult but important process. A number of methods have been proposed for assessing quality of operations of pedestrian facilities on the basis of pedestrian LOS. This paper reviews, compares, and contrasts some of the more commonly accepted methods for determining pedestrian LOS for sidewalks to see if they are comparable or relatable, as well as to determine which methods are more reliable, or easier to use. First, detailed information on each method is presented, such as data requirements, as-sumptions, and limitations. Then, a case study is performed in which field data are collected and used to implement the procedures described in the reviewed methodologies and to compare the LOS obtained from each. The comparison provides useful information on the consistency of out-comes from the various methodologies, and identifies needs for modifications and improvements. This is particularly useful in determining possible improvements to the existing HCM 2000 methodology in the upcoming version of the Highway Capacity Manual.
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Corporate Authors:
500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC United States 20001 -
Authors:
- Sisiopiku, Virginia P
- Byrd, Jonathan E
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Conference:
- Transportation Research Board 85th Annual Meeting
- Location: Washington DC, United States
- Date: 2006-1-22 to 2006-1-26
- Date: 2006
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: CD-ROM
- Features: Figures; References; Tables;
- Pagination: 23p
- Monograph Title: TRB 85th Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers CD-ROM
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Highway capacity; Level of service; Methodology; Operations; Pedestrian safety; Sidewalks; Walkways
- Identifier Terms: Highway Capacity Manual
- Uncontrolled Terms: Transportation facilities
- Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01023094
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: 06-0898
- Files: TRIS, TRB
- Created Date: Mar 3 2006 10:30AM