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Abstract

This article describes transit feasibility analysis features of the Georgia Department of Transportations (GDOTs) Multimodal Transportation Planning Tool (MTPT). Using open databases that are available agency wide, the MTPT can provide a system-level analysis of transportation requirements of rural areas, identify potential implementation constraints early in the planning process, and develop a prioritized project list by mode for an analysis region. In addition to demand-responsive transit, the MTPT addresses intercity bus, intercity passenger rail, commuter rail, highways, aviation, and bicycle modes. This article focuses on the demand-responsive transit component of the MTPT, and provides an overview of how the MTPT can help automate system-level transit planning for the general public in rural Georgia. The MTPT transit analysis assesses service feasibility for nonurbanized areas that do not currently have local transit service for the general public. In the MTPT, transit service feasibility considers the existence of human service transit providers in the county; the percentage of population in certain "target" populations; and estimates of potential ridership, vehicle requirements, capital costs, operating costs, and economic benefits. The first factor indicates if opportunities may exist to coordinate service with existing providers, and helps to address funding issues. The second factor assesses market characteristics of the target area as one determinant of potential service need. The third factor provides a range of potential values for key operating and financial statistics at a system-planning level of analysis. The intent of the analysis is to identify those locations where it makes sense to more seriously analyze new demand responsive services. This article should be helpful for transportation planners with responsibility for developing system-level transportation plans and programs at the county, region, and state levels. It will also be helpful for decision-makers who are trying to match transit funding to areas with high service needs.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5038/2375-0901.3.4.3

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