Incorporating equity into the transit frequency-setting problem: Fid-Bau Portal

Incorporating equity into the transit frequency-setting problem

Ferguson, Erin M. / Duthie, Jennifer / Unnikrishnan, Avinash / Waller, S. Travis

Highlights ► Design transit service with equitable access for disadvantaged population. ► Nonlinear programming formulation which accounts for demand uncertainty. ► Solved using genetic algorithm for mid size real world network. ► Results demonstrate the need to incorporate equitable access in transit design.

Abstract This paper and the proposed formulation contribute to an apparent gap in transit research design by integrating equity considerations into the transit frequency-setting problem. The proposed approach provides a means to design transit service such that equitable access to basic amenities (e.g., employment, supermarkets, medical services) is provided for low-income populations or disadvantaged populations. The overarching purpose is to improve access via transit to basic amenities to: (1) reduce the disproportionate burden faced by transit dependent populations; and (2) create a more feasible transportation option for low-income households as an opportunity to increase financial security by reducing dependence on personal autos. The formulation is applied to data from a mid-sized US metropolitan area. The example application illustrates the formulation successfully increases access to employment opportunities for residents in areas with high percentages of low-income persons, as well as demonstrates the importance of considering uncertainty in the locations of populations and employment.