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Statistical techniques were developed for extracting the most significant features (indicators) from a transit system data base, and classifying proposed and existing transit systems according to the selected features. The data base was constructed by using information from all previous years available by the Mn/DOT, the Census and other sources to be used in classifying transit systems. The data base emphasized the use of raw characteristics of the operating system and the area socioeconomics. The feature extraction was done so that the minimum number of features were extracted that can be used for classifying the transit systems with maximum accuracy. The classification method was designed around the data base and is flexible so that it can use future data to update the data base at minimum cost. The transit system patterns, resulting from the classification method, were identified according to need and performance, and the main characteristics were specified for each pattern. These characteristics and descriptions identifying each pattern determines whether it should be modified. A controlled experiment was required to test the classification method. A randomly selected part of the data was classified by the method, and then the unselected data was treated as a control group for the experiment. After the experiment a percent of misclassifications was calculated

In this project, landscape architects, architects, and urban design professionals explored land use opportunities and challenges in the six neighborhood light rail stations of South Minneapolis' Hiawatha Corridor. They studied the Cedar Riverside, Franklin Avenue, Lake Street, Thirty-Eighth, Forty-Sixth, and Minnehaha station areas, analyzing land use patterns, pedestrian and vehicular routes, current zoning, destinations, and potential development sites. They gathered comments from residents in public meetings. Based on the analysis and public feedback, the researchers identified potential development scenarios for each station area. This report summarizes those scenarios.

The desire to increase the attractiveness and use of transit has led the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Center for Transportation Studies studies, and the Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering at the University of Minnesota to set up a Laboratory for developing improved service and encouraging innovation in transit. Prior to seeking improvement of transit operations and the attractiveness of public travel, the problems of the transit industry had to be clearly defined. To that effect, an initial set of eight problem areas was defined and prioritized on the basis of short- and long-term by a group of local experts. However, as seeking solution to all the problems hence defined would be a most demanding task, it was desirable to reduce the set to a more manageable size that included the problems that were well defined, important, feasible and desirable for analysis and solution in Minnesota and elsewhere. To conduct this analysis, a well known and proven methodology, the Delphi Technique, was used.

Public transportation provides a safe, convenient, affordable, and environmentally friendly mobility service. However, due to its fixed routes and limited network coverage, it is sometimes difficult or impossible for passengers to walk from a transit stop to their destination. This inaccessibility problem is also known as the “transit last-mile connectivity problem.” Such a lack of connectivity forces travelers to drive, thereby increasing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) on roads. The autonomous mobility-on-demand (AMoD) service, with characteristics such as quick fleet repositioning and demand responsiveness, as well as lower operational cost due to the elimination of operators’ wages, has the potential to provide last-mile coverage where fixed-route transit can only provide limited service. This study presents research on designing an AMoD service to solve the transit last-mile problem in Greater Minnesota. After selection of the Miller Hill Mall (MMH) area in Duluth, MN, as the case study site, analysis on local transit services and demand data show that passengers may have to spend significant time walking and cross multiple streets to access stores from transit stops. To address this issue, an AMoD system for last-mile service was designed and integrated with the fixed route transit service. Novel mathematical models and AMoD control algorithms were developed, and simulation experiments were conducted for evaluation of the AMoD service. Simulation results showed that the AMoD service can improve transit quality of service and attract more riders to use transit to the MHM area, and therefore reduce the VMT in the region. These findings were consistent with the literature in that mode choice and first-/last-mile access were highly interdependent and AMoD can improve transit quality of service and reduce VMT. Research on riders’ perception of AMoD service and field testing of the AMoD system using the developed models and algorithms are recommended to help agencies prepare for application of AMoD system in the region.

This Research Summary accompanied Report 2024-06, "Designing an Autonomous Service to Cover Transit’s Last Mile in Low-Density Areas."

Transitways such as light rail transit (LRT) and bus rapid transit (BRT) provide fast, reliable, and high-capacity transit service. Transitways have the potential to attract more riders and take a portion of the auto mode share, reducing the growth of auto traffic. Park-and-ride (PNR) facilities can complement transit service by providing a viable choice for residents who are without walking access to transit or those who prefer better transit service such as LRT or BRT. In this study, we conducted two research tasks on Transitways services in the Twin Cities region in Minnesota; 1) to examine the impact of the operation of the Green Line LRT on the annual average daily traffic (AADT) of its adjacent roads, and 2) to estimate a PNR location choice model in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

In response to the limited awareness surrounding Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and the A Line; this study provides answers to questions regarding the operation and public perception of the A Line in the Twin Cities region; Minnesota. Two traffic scenarios were studied; one for high-volume oversaturated traffic during the Minnesota State Fair; and a second for normal operating conditions. For both scenarios; intersection queue length and traffic flow rate were compared before and after an A Line bus. It was found that in both time periods (Fair and non- Fair); the dwelling of an A Line bus during a green traffic signal did not have a statistically significant impact on intersection queue length or traffic-flow rate at either of the two researched stations. From an analysis of the 2016 On-Board Survey; it was determined that passengers are more satisfied by the overall service of the A Line than local buses while there is not a significant difference in overall satisfaction compared to express buses; light rail and commuter rail. The top three important service attributes to overall satisfaction are "paying my fare is easy;" "hours of operation;" and "handling of concerns/complaints." It is recommended that the transit agency improve the attributes that have higher relative influences and lower mean performances. Based on this criterion; the attributes that should be given priority are "shelter/station conditions and cleanliness" and "behaviors of other passengers and atmosphere on board." This is report #16 in the Transitway Impacts Research Program series.

This report examines Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) as they apply to carsharing and transit. Two modes that provide mobility to those who do not own a car. In the first study, researchers developed and administered a survey to members of HOURCAR, a local not-for-profit carsharing organization (CSO), and a randomly selected control group. The data reveals that (1) each HOURCAR removes 2.5 other vehicles; (2) HOURCAR members demonstrate an interest in deciding whether a car is their most efficient option for their trip, (3) HOURCAR respondents were not significantly different from the control group in terms of household size, income, age or housing type; and (4) most members indicated convenience and financial considerations were key to joining. The second study seeks to understand how citizen perceptions of trust and confidence in an agency, and its services, are impacted by the use of advanced traveler information systems (ATIS), specifically, an online trip planner developed and maintained by MetroTransit. A survey and focus group indicate connections between online use and perceptions about the agency. Notably, a strong positive view of the trip planner was associated with trust in the agency to perform the service.

This Technical Summary pertains to report 2008-43, Improving Carsharing and Transit Service with ITS.

This Transportation Research Synthesis (TRS) provides a summary of research done on how to mitigate the impacts of highway construction projects through the use of transit and what strategies can be used to retain riders after a highway construction project is done.