Innovations in Multi-Modal Transit Mapping

Margaret Carragher E.I.T

Advisor: Dr. Kari Watkins P.E.October 16, 2013

GIS in Transit Conference, Washington D.C.

Presentation Overview

Introduction

Methodology

Survey Responses & Analysis

Key Takeaways

2

INTRODUCTION

Intr

oduc

tion

Key T

akea

ways

Meth

odol

ogy

Surv

ey R

espo

nses

& A

naly

sis

3

Project Need

Current transit system mapsOften separated by modeCan be difficult to read with many bus routes

Experts have been calling for and designing frequency bus maps

Integrated, multi-modal systems (streetcar, bus, BRT, LRT, commuter rail,…) require integrated multi-modal maps

4

Project Overview

Use MARTA in Atlanta as a case study for a new schematic, multi-modal, system map

Test these new maps through surveys of transit riders and non-riders surveys to understand…

what riders are looking for in a system map if it would affect their system understandingif it would affect their bus ridership

5

6Figures Source : MARTA

METHODOLOGY

Intro

ducti

on

Key T

akea

ways

7

Met

hodo

logy

Surv

ey R

espo

nses

& A

naly

sis

Methodology

Perform literature review

Create new multi-modal, schematic maps for MARTA in Atlanta

Test these new maps through in-person, mail-home, and online surveys

Perform analysis

Understand what users want to see in their maps

8

Connect to MARTA owned parking lots

Require no frequency

Feed commuters to rail line

9

Park & Ride Map

Based on new attractions list

Contains routes that run with at least 30 minute headways all day

10

Popular Destinations Map

Most frequent MARTA routes

Mostly due to budget cuts and route consolidation

Frequencies 12-20 minutes

11

Frequency Map

12

Existing Map

SURVEY RESPONSES & ANALYSIS

Intro

ducti

on

Key T

akea

ways

13

Meth

odol

ogy

Surv

ey R

espo

nses

& A

naly

sis

Most Useful Map

42

110

4955

14

Park&Ride Pop. Dest. Frequency Existing

Popular Destinations vs. Frequency

15

Popular Destinations vs. Frequency

16

Popular Destinations 38%

Frequent Service 62% Park&Ride Pop. Dest. Frequency Existing

Most Useful Map

Popular Destinations Map

Ranking of the Popular Destinations Map by Participants who chose “Popular Destinations”

17

Frequency Map

Ranking of the20 Minute Frequent Service Map by Participants who chose “Frequent Service”

18

Would you ride the bus more?

19

Factors Influencing Future Bus Ridership

Example: Current Bus Ridership

Performed this analysis for all factors

20

With these maps, would you ride the bus more?

Factors Influencing Future Bus Ridership

Significant (95%)

Bus Ridership

Train Ridership Train Trip Purpose

Current Mode(s)

Not Significant

# Vehicles in the household

Licensure

Ethnicity

Income

21

KEY TAKEAWAYS

22

Intro

ducti

on

Key

Tak

eaway

s

Meth

odol

ogy

Surv

ey R

espo

nses

& A

naly

sis

Key Takeaways

Popular Destinations and Frequency maps were positively received are particularly effective for:

Small increases in ridership

Highlighting particular routes

Improving rider understanding of how modes interact within the overall transit system

23

Map Design Findings

24

Peak 10 min

Off-peak 30 min

Questions?

For inquiries, interest, questions, and comments, our contact information is:

Margaret Carragher, E.I.T. Margaret.Carragher@metro-pe.com

508-415-9122

Dr. Kari Watkins, P.E.kari.watkins@ce.gatech.edu

25

26