by Innovative Mobility Research | Sep 14, 2015 |
Authors: Evelyn Blumenberg, Moira Donahue, Susan Handy, Kristin Lovejoy, Caroline Rodier, Susan Shaheen, James Volker Published: September, 2007 Abstract: California is in the midst of a demographic transformation. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, nearly 30 percent of the California population is now foreign-born, more than 50 percent of the population belongs to a minority group, and the elderly (those 65 and older) comprise 11 percent of the population. Demographic forecasts suggest that these patterns will continue. California will continue to attract immigrants from throughout the world and will become increasingly diverse, racially and ethnically, with whites declining as a share of the population from 54 percent in 1995 to 30 to 34 percent in 2025, according to one forecast (Thomas and Deakin 2001). The percentage of seniors will also continue its upward trajectory in the coming decades, reaching over 13 percent by 2025 (Thomas and Deakin 2001). This demographic transformation raises an important question for transportation planners in the state: How can we ensure that the kinds of transportation systems and services we provide adequately meet the needs of our increasingly diverse population? To answer that question, planners need a better understanding of the travel behavior of diverse demographic groups within the state. As a part of a larger project studying the needs, constraints, attitudes, and preferences that influence travel choices and the outcomes of those travel choices among diverse groups in California, this report provides a review of existing literature on the travel behavior among specific demographic groups. In particular, this report provides a review of what is currently known about the travel patterns and transportation needs of the...
by Innovative Mobility Research | Sep 14, 2015 |
Authors: Rachel S. Finson, Virginia Lingham, Susan A. Shaheen, Ph.D Published: February 21, 2007 Abstract: The Innovative Corridors Initiative (ICI) Business Model Analysis examines public-private partnerships designed to deploy intelligent transportation systems (ITS) technologies that can improve transportation system management and provide real-time information to users. This study builds on the business models proposed by industry in response to the ICI Call for Submissions (CFS). In addition, case studies examine the business models that are developing between the private and public sectors for roadside rest stop wireless Internet access, vehicle infrastructure integration, and Traffic.com, Inc. Caltrans’ current procedures for encroachment and procurement are reviewed briefly to identify possible areas of conflict that may need to be resolved prior to launching future CFS-style solicitations. Planning recommendations are provided to assist Caltrans with planning for future CFS-style solicitations, including considerations regarding goals, purpose and project partners, authority, and post-demonstration relationships. Issues for Caltrans to consider pertaining to authority for CFS-style solicitations as well as the procurement of products that are demonstrated under these solicitations are highlighted....
by Innovative Mobility Research | Sep 9, 2015 |
Authors: Rachel S. Finson, Cynthia McCormick, Susan A. Shaheen, Ph.D. Published: March 14, 2007 Abstract: The Innovative Corridors Initiative represents an innovative business model for public agencies to partner with private industry to improve transportation system management and provide real time information to users. The Call for Submissions (CFS) issued by Caltrans, MTC, LA MTA, ITS America, and CCIToffered private industry access to public rights-of-way and data. However, no funds were offered as part of the CFS, meaning the companies that submitted a proposal and participated needed to have the capacity to self-fund their projects. This report provides a summary of the processes to implement the CFS, including public outreach, proposal review, negotiations between the public agencies and private companies, operations, coordination with the 2005 ITS World Congress in San Francisco, and project closure. Researchers chronicled the lessons learned throughout the process through a series of interviews conducted with the parties involved. Especially important were findings related to the public-private partnership for ITS deployment that the ICI project pioneered....
by Innovative Mobility Research | Sep 9, 2015 |
Authors: Caroline J. Rodier, Ph.D, Susan A. Shaheen, Ph.D, Charlene Kemmerer Published: October, 2007 Abstract: This report presents an evaluation of the first transit-based smart parking project in the U.S. at the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) District station in Oakland, California. The report begins with a review of the smart parking literature; next the smart parking field test is described including its capital, operational, and maintenance costs; then the results of the participant survey analysis are presented; and finally lessons learned from the institutional, user, and operational perspective are documented. Some key changes in participant travel behavior include increases in BART mode share, reductions in drive alone modal share, decreased average commute time, and an overall reduction in total vehicle miles of travel. Key lessons learned include that it would have been beneficial to anticipate additional time for project scoping and permitting, and fixed wayfinding signs were beneficial in both directing vehicles from the highway to the smart parking lot and addressing resident concerns about increased traffic. Additionally, the majority of participants continued to use the service when fees were implemented. However, the CMSs were not widely employed in users’ decision-making processes in this application. Finally, the wireless counting system worked well, with the exception of the in-ground sensors, which were prone to miscounts....
by Innovative Mobility Research | Aug 26, 2015 |
Authors: Michael Todd, Matthew Barth, Michael Eichler, Carlos Daganzo, Susan Shaheen, Ph.D Date Published: February 1, 2006 Abstract: Due to increases in congestion, transportation costs, and associated environmental impacts, a variety of new enhanced transit strategies are being investigated worldwide. The transit-oriented development (TOD) concept is a key area where several enhanced transit strategies can be implemented. TODs integrate transit, residential, retail and/or commercial entities into a compact, pedestrian-friendly community, thereby reducing private car usage and increasing transit use. This research report addresses two enhanced transit strategies within the TOD framework: 1) using Bus Lanes with Intermittent Priorities (BLIPs) to enhance bus transit; and 2) addressing how and what Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technology can be used within TOD system architectures. With respect to (1), it has been shown that the implementation of BLIPs for bus rapid transit can greatly increase system efficiencies without compromising the level of service for other facility users. The basic analysis in this report shows that both conservative and liberal approaches have similar impacts to traffic and identical benefits. The macroscopic analysis illustrates that traffic disturbances caused by BLIP activation will not slow down subsequent buses, and that roads with medium traffic demand can easily support a BLIP implementation. The microscopic analysis provides some quantitative equations that can help decision makers determine whether a given intersection can be outfitted with a BLIP implementation within predefined parameters. A framework for cost-benefit analysis was provided for BLIP implementation. With respect to (2), it has been shown that transportation efficiency and effectiveness within a TOD can certainly be enhanced with the integration of ITS technology. This project report...
