Innovations in Multi-Modal Transit Mapping

1. 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.

2. Presentation Overview • Introduction • Methodology • Survey Responses & Analysis • Key Takeaways

3. Survey Responses & Analysis Introduction Key Takeaways Methodology Introduction

4. Project Need • Current transit system maps • Often separated by mode • Can 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

5. 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 understanding • if it would affect their bus ridership

6. Figures Source : MARTA

7. Survey Responses & Analysis Introduction Key Takeaways Methodology Methodology

8. 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

9. Park & Ride Map • Connect to MARTA owned parking lots • Require no frequency • Feed commuters to rail line

10. Popular Destinations Map • Based on new attractions list • Contains routes that run with at least 30 minute headways all day

11. Frequency Map • Most frequent MARTA routes • Mostly due to budget cuts and route consolidation • Frequencies 12-20 minutes

12. Existing Map

13. Survey Responses & Analysis Introduction Key Takeaways Methodology Survey Responses & analysis

14. Most Useful Map 110 55 49 42 Park&Ride Pop. Dest. Frequency Existing

15. Popular Destinations vs. Frequency

16. Popular Destinations vs. Frequency Most Useful Map Popular Destinations 38% Frequent Service 62% Park&Ride Pop. Dest. Frequency Existing

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

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

19. Would you ride the bus more?

20. Factors Influencing Future Bus Ridership • Example: Current Bus Ridership • Performed this analysis for all factors With these maps, would you ride the bus more?

21. Factors Influencing Future Bus Ridership Significant (95%) Not Significant # Vehicles in the household Licensure Ethnicity Income • Bus Ridership • Train Ridership • Train Trip Purpose • Current Mode(s)

22. Survey Responses & Analysis Key Takeaways Introduction Methodology Key Takeaways

23. 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

24. Map Design Findings Frequency Destinations Multiple Maps Street Names Service Standards Modes

25. 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