Optimizing Multimodal Transportation Access to Support Commuting Among Low-Income Transit Riders with Social Distancing

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Optimizing Multimodal Transportation Access to Support Commuting Among Low-Income Transit Riders with Social Distancing

Abstract: 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, LA Metro has encouraged social distancing among passengers—especially at stations of high-demand routes—and has increased fixed-route transit (FRT) services. However, potential impacts of social distancing on the performance of FRT services remain mostly unknown. This research evaluates the accessibility of FRT buses with social distancing using the ridership data collected on four FRT routes: 105, 108, 111, and 115 of the LA Metro's A Line stations located in low-income neighborhoods. This research shows that social distancing of six feet can impact FRT's accessibility to destination stations, and maximum accessibility is achieved only for a certain number of stops served—which is less than the current number of stops served. The FRT routes 105, 108, 111 and 115 have maximum accessibility with social distancing for the number of stops served equal to 65, 52, 52 and 50, respectively. The methodology used in this research can help decision-makers understand how FRT bus frequencies are impacted by social distancing measures, and the results can guide the transit authorities developing FRT service among low-income commuters during and after the pandemic.

Authors: 

SHAILESH CHANDRA, PhD 
Dr. Chandra is an associate professor in the Department of Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering Management at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). He obtained his MS and PhD in civil engineering from Texas A&M University in 2009 and 2012, respectively. Dr. Chandra has more than 15 years of experience in transportation research focused on transport connectivity, transportation economics, accessibility, urban freight, and sustainability. He has been a principal investigator for several projects funded by various transportation agencies including the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT).

VIVEK MISHRA

Mr. Mishra is a graduate student in the Department of Computer Science and Computer Engineering at CSULB. His research interests relate to computer programming and transportation analysis

Published: 
March 2022
Keywords: 
Multimodal transportation
Accessibility
Low-income commuters
Fixed-route transit
Social distancing

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CSUTC
MCEEST
MCTM
NTFC
NTSC

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