Real-Time Estimation of Transit OD Patterns and Delays Using Low Cost-Ubiquitous Advanced Technologies

The main objective of this project is to develop and conduct limited testing of novel sensors using Bluetooth technology (BT) to estimate Origin-Desination (OD) demands and station wait times for users of public transit stations. The New York University (NYU) research team tested the feasibility of the utilization of sensors with Bluetooth technology to estimate OD demands and station wait-times of users of transit systems with a focus on subway systems. For example, if the entrance and exit turnstiles at subway stations were equipped with this type of sensors, it is possible to capture OD information for some of the riders with activated devices. Estimation of daily and hourly OD demands and delays is important for transit agencies because it can help improve their operations, reduce delays, and mitigate cost, among other benefits. The proposed method of tracking Bluetooth IDs uses inexpensive, small, and easy to deploy wireless detectors / readers with specialized software developed by the research team. This is a low-cost and viable alternative to traditionally used surveys or other advanced technologies. Following a literature review and device testing, a series of one-day pilot tests were conducted in coordination with the MTA to iron out all of the possible hardware and software issues. Following further consultation with the MTA, a full one day to one week indoor tests were conducted with continuous data collection and monitoring to assess the feasibility and usefulness of long-term data collection using the proposed sensor technology. Two software tools to post process the collected data and to perform self-diagnosis and remote data acquisition functions were developed as part of the overall research project. The results and recommendations are provided to the MTA and other interested transit agencies.

• Record URL:
  http://www.utrc2.org/sites/default/files/Final-Report-Real-Time-Estimation-Transit-OD-Patterns.pdf
• 
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/32343
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  New York University, Brooklyn

  Tandon School of Engineering
  Brooklyn, NY  United States 

  University Transportation Research Center

  City College of New York
  Marshak Hall, Suite 910, 160 Convent Avenue
  New York, NY  United States  10031

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Ozbay, Kaan
  • Shlayan, Neveen
  • Nassif, Hani
  • Kurkcu, Abdullah
  • Demiroluk, Sami
  • Maggio, Matthew D
  • Yang, Hong
• Publication Date: 2017-4-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 67p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bluetooth technology; Feasibility analysis; Information processing; Literature reviews; Origin and destination; Pilot studies; Public transit; Real time information; Sensors; Software; Subways; Travel demand; Waiting time
• Identifier Terms: New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01637906
• Record Type: Publication
• Contract Numbers: 49997-44-25
• Files: UTC, NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Jun 13 2017 9:35AM