Curbside Management: Understanding Impacts of On-Demand Mobility on Public Transit Use and Vulnerable Road Users

The goal of this project is to develop recommended best practices of curb management for an array of innovative transportation modes (e.g., carsharing, bikesharing, scooter sharing, ridesourcing/transportation network companies (TNCs), etc.). Such practices may include mechanisms such as: 1) fees for access and use; 2) prioritizing access for public transportation, cyclists, pedestrians, elderly, youth, and disabled populations; 3) geofencing to limit curb access; and 4) pricing to reflect key priorities (e.g., high-occupancy vehicles, walking and cycling, clean vehicles, etc.).

This research project focuses on curbside management and planning, particularly in light of growing ridesourcing/TNC and curbside demand by a variety of modes (including low-speed modes, like e-scooters). In particular, this exploratory research will analyze and document the impacts of ridesourcing/TNCs (along with e-scooters/bikesharing) on public transit users, ridership, and the curb, as well as vulnerable populations. We envision that this research will involve 10 to 15 expert interviews on the need/role of curbside management, challenges/opportunities, and perspectives of the public and private sectors. First, we plan to survey public transit and ridesourcing/TNC drivers as part of this project. Our objective is to obtain a total sample size of 100 from the public transit and ridesourcing/TNC driver population. Next, we will survey users/non-users of the curb about their experiences (including public transit users, ridesourcing/TNC users, e-scooter/bikesharing users, and nonusers). We will conduct the survey through a panel approach (e.g., Qualtrics) and supplement at the curb in the San Francisco Bay Area (postcards with QR codes). We envision a minimum sample of 250 users (public transit, ridesourcing/TNCs, e-scooters/bikesharing) and 250 non-users. Finally, we will examine potential policy and planning strategies, as well as available data on ridesourcing/TNC ridership, e-scooter/bikesharing, and public transit ridership in the State.