Articles tagged with Mass Transit
A new study from the University of Utah examines the impacts of decentralizing homeless service locations in Salt Lake County, Utah. The research found that people using the relocated resource centers tended to travel less, with visits to community services declining by as much as 40%.
A new AI method accurately estimates timetable robustness within milliseconds, enabling efficient optimization. This improves balance between passenger needs and economic conditions.
Researchers developed new antimicrobial technology for air filters that can kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses in seconds. The treatment was tested on trains and found to be effective in killing SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses, including E. coli and C. albicans.
Researchers analyzed user survey data and on-the-ground observations to understand e-scooter use and safety. The study found that older riders were less likely to experience crashes, while helmet use was lower in observed data compared to surveyed users.
Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology analyzed 18 Tokyo Metropolitan Area railway lines to understand the impact of in-vehicle congestion on efficiency. They found that incorporating congestion rates into efficiency analysis can help develop better public transit strategies, leading to higher service levels and sustainability.
Computer simulations found that risks of COVID spread on Underground rail were reduced when ventilation was good and passengers complied with mitigation measures. The model predicted low exposure to the virus through routes such as aerosol inhalation and direct droplet deposition.
Researchers created three computer models to optimize housing and service provider locations, ensuring former offenders can access necessary services efficiently. The tool addresses limited public transportation options, a major barrier to successful reentry.
Researchers found pedal bikes increased bus rides by 1%, while electric bikes took that to 2.1%. The system supported ridership, particularly for socioeconomically disadvantaged and young people.
Newcastle University researchers argue that cities can use local policies and incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. The authors highlight the importance of balancing demand pull-ins with technology push-ins to overcome barriers and enablers. Cities' own fleets, procurement systems, and fiscal powers can also help s...
A model analyzed air and droplet dynamics, heat transfer, and ventilation in public transportation vehicles. It found that droplets from window seats rose more and invaded other passengers' space after exhalation, while those from aisle seats contaminated aisle passengers more due to downward flow of personal ventilation.
A new report from Portland State University aims to improve mobility and quality of life for older adults by developing forms of assistance and educational strategies. The study found that low-income older adults faced significant barriers to transportation, including fear of public transit during the pandemic lockdowns.
A new index ranks US states based on their support for successful aging across five domains: productivity, security, equity, cohesion, and well-being. The study found that no single domain drives the results, and state policies play a significant role in adapting to an aging population.
A new study found that providing free green electricity and public transport can reduce home energy emissions by 13.4% and motor fuel emissions by 23.8%. This approach is more effective than redistributing carbon tax revenue among the population to address poverty.
A pilot program in Portland, OR, provides transportation incentives to low-income participants, reducing costs and travel time. The study finds that targeted information and incentives can empower underserved communities to access emerging mobility options.
A study by Portland State University found that household car ownership correlates with better self-reported health, while bus or paratransit use is associated with poorer health. The researchers also discovered that having fewer vehicles per individual in the household increases the likelihood of reporting poor physical health.
Researchers will conduct participatory research with transit workers to identify ways to reduce occupational health disparities and improve preparedness for public-facing workers. The project aims to improve safe working environments and build resilience among frontline workers.
Research finds that neighborhoods with longer commute times and high residential density are more prone to infectious disease hotspots, while dense urban design can improve mobility conditions and resilience. The study suggests that a 20-minute city concept can promote livability, sustainability, and pandemic-resilient urban planning.
Researchers at the University of Bath found that large food companies and advertisers opposed Transport for London's 2019 ban, challenging its effectiveness and attempting to undermine policy. The ban was implemented despite commercial opposition, and its success sets a positive precedent for other authorities planning similar bans.
Researchers at Portland State University propose a multiple-criteria approach to ensure equitable distribution of common carrier parcel lockers at transit facilities. The study evaluates accessibility and equity metrics, including ridership, mode of transportation, and sociodemographic profiles, to identify high-potential locations for...
Researchers at Portland State University developed data-driven speed management strategies to improve safety and efficiency in multimodal transportation. They found that disabling speed feedback signs on conventional roadways resulted in reduced driver speeds and a lower likelihood of severe crashes.
A multi-year study found that cashless fare systems can exclude lower-income riders due to lack of access to smartphones, internet, and banking services. Maintaining cash options can mitigate this issue, offering a more equitable solution for all riders.
Researchers created a model and algorithm to redistribute transit resources based on commuter choices, resulting in cost reductions of 0.4%-3% system-wide. This leads to millions in rush hour savings while reducing costs for passengers and transportation providers.
A new paper in the Transportation Research Record identifies six broad categories of equity-advancing practices that public transit agencies nationwide can widely employ. These practices focus on creating fairer and more just public transit systems, rather than just assessing how service is distributed.
The Barcelona Institute for Global Health has identified 10 key principles for integrating health components into urban design, aiming to reduce premature mortality. The study provides a checklist for urban planners to incorporate public health into their work, promoting active and public transport, green spaces, and mixed land use.
A new modelling report calls for cities to reduce private car use and promote walking, cycling, and public transport. By decreasing car use, cities can lower congestion, improve air quality, and create faster, more sustainable urban environments.
A new study has identified opioid treatment deserts in Ohio, where distances to recovery services exceed a mile or 30 minutes by public transit. These areas pose significant barriers to care, with shorter travel times found for white adults compared to Black adults.
A Singapore-based study found that competition between autonomous mobility services and public transit can lead to increased profits, system efficiency, and benefits for the public. However, it may also result in uneven social costs, such as higher travel costs or longer travel times, especially for vulnerable groups.
Researchers found that well-fitting three-layered cloth masks reduce exposure by up to 75% and can be as effective as surgical masks in preventing COVID-19 transmission. The study's findings suggest cloth masks can significantly reduce the risk of contraction, making them a valuable tool in community efforts
The study found that ridesharing companies increased road congestion in the US, reducing public transport ridership by nearly 9%. Easy access to ridesharing discouraged commuters from using greener alternatives.
A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found a high global prevalence of both depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Asia presenting lower levels. Public transportation closures increased anxiety globally, especially in Europe.
A NTU study of 1,006 Singaporeans found that public support for driverless vehicles is driven by perceptions of their safety and limitations in making moral judgments. Policymakers must consider these factors when promoting the adoption of driverless cars.
Researchers at Monash University developed a flow model to analyze public transport networks, identifying critical bottlenecks and suggesting solutions. The model improved commuter times by 23% on weekdays and up to 26% on weekends in Melbourne.
A new study published in Transport Policy predicts the end of deregulated competitive public transport in the UK due to reduced ridership following COVID-19 social distancing measures. The paper argues that this crisis presents an opportunity to create a more inclusive, environmentally considerate, and efficient transportation system.
A Japanese study found that areas with heavy snowfall see a significant decline in cyclist injuries and total injuries among pedestrians. This modal shift may offer a broader solution for road safety.
The study found that cities in the South and Midwest had less decline in public transit demand due to essential workers who couldn't work from home. Key factors included occupation, with physical jobs leading to higher transit use among Hispanic communities.
The University of Texas at Arlington is launching a public transportation pilot program with free rides for students, featuring autonomous vehicles provided by May Mobility. The program aims to develop efficient, safe, and accessible transit networks in low-density settings.
A study published in the Journal of Planning Education and Research found that subsidized car ownership has a transformative impact on low-income families, allowing them to access better education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The research also highlighted the importance of considering the broader social benefits of car ow...
A research tool has been developed to help people and lunar rovers estimate travel times with a high degree of reliability. The tool considers factors such as pedestrian traffic, road conditions, and bus breakdowns to provide a more accurate prediction of arrival times.
Researchers found that household contacts had a 1 in 10 chance of infection, while asymptomatic patients were less likely to infect close contacts. Patients with severe disease were more likely to spread COVID-19 to their close contacts.
Researchers analyzed mask-wearing and face-touching behavior in public areas before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing changes in global populations. The study found that people were more likely to touch their faces when wearing masks or in crowded spaces.
A recent study by Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) found that one-third of ridesourcing trips potentially substitute for public transit. The substitution effect varies by location, with higher rates in city centers and suburban areas, but the study suggests that ridesharing amplifies existing digital divides.
A study published by The BMJ found that implementing physical distancing measures, such as closing schools and workplaces, was associated with a 13% reduction in COVID-19 incidence. Earlier lockdown restrictions were also linked to a greater reduction in new cases.
A new study reveals strong links between exposure to air pollution and COVID-19 transmission. Analysis of air pollution, COVID-19 cases, and fatality rates in London demonstrates a connection between increased levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5) and higher risk of viral transmission.
A Stanford research team developed a framework for routing delivery drones over ground transit networks, quadrupling their effective flight range. The 'makespan' of any batch of deliveries was under an hour in San Francisco and under two hours in Washington, D.C.
A New Zealand study of almost 50,000 people found that women use more diverse modes of travel and emit lower greenhouse gases. Women take shorter trips, walk more, and are more likely to use public transport than men.
A new study published in Technology and Health Care reveals that four leading electric car brands do not trigger electromagnetic interference with cardiac implantable electronic devices. The research, which tested over 100 CIED patients driving and charging four e-cars, provides reassuring evidence for pacemaker users.
A New Zealand study found that people who cycle to work have a 13% lower risk of mortality compared to those who walk or take public transport. The research, which analyzed data from over 3.5 million New Zealanders, suggests that increasing cycling for commuting may lead to health benefits and reduce the environmental impact.
A global study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that 'High Transit' cities with strong rail networks have the lowest rates of road injuries. In contrast, 'Informal' type cities across India, China, and Africa experienced twice the injury rates due to poor urban design.
A new study reveals a worrying trend of urban sprawl worldwide, with less connected street networks in many cities. Cities like Tokyo and Buenos Aires offer inspiration for limiting sprawl, while gridded street networks promote efficient and dense urban form.
A UBC data science method analyzes citizens' access to hospitals and walk-in clinics, revealing large numbers without good access to health care. The study found that 80% of Portland residents, 51% of Seattleites, and 37% of Vancouverites lack sufficient healthcare access due to insufficient facilities and transit services.
A large study found that people who walk the most live in areas with good public transport service and a higher density of households, services, and installations. Walking is associated with improved health and reduced air pollution.
Researchers at University of Utah used high-resolution rider data to quantify emissions saved by buses and commuter rail lines, finding a balance on weekdays during rush hours. Upgrading the bus and rail fleet could save up to 75% in some pollutants.
A new Tel Aviv University study suggests that a parking algorithm can guarantee uniform parking occupancy by filling spots in less lucrative areas. The algorithm has been tested in the Israeli city of Bat Yam, establishing real-time adaptive parking prices that ensured 90 percent parking occupancy without expensive equipment.
New research on London Underground commute finds a link between public transport and airborne infections. Higher rates of flu-like cases are observed in busier terminals with longer journeys, suggesting the role of crowded junctions in spreading illness.
A UTA study reveals that location significantly affects the affordability of public housing in the DFW region. Housing programs are found to be unaffordable for households due to high transportation costs, which can exceed 15% of their budget.
A new study in Respirology reveals that Southeast Asia's annual haze is associated with increased hospital admissions for respiratory problems. Respiratory admissions at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre were significantly higher during haze periods, with 27.6 cases per week versus 15.7 cases per week.
A University of Waterloo study found that coupling bikeshare with public transit can increase light rail transit ridership by optimizing bike availability. The research modelled commuter schedules and bike usage patterns using data from Montreal's bikeshare program.
A nationwide study of over 300,000 adults found strong associations between community attributes and well-being, including racial diversity, preventive health care, and public transportation. The researchers identified 12 key factors that contribute to a sense of well-being.
The AVENUE project, led by the University of Geneva, aims to develop and test autonomous vehicle services in European cities. The project will focus on optimizing itineraries, in- and out-of-vehicle services, and addressing security concerns. Geneva is one of the pilot sites for the large-scale tests.
A Montreal study reveals that bus travel is significantly safer than car travel, with four times fewer injuries for passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The study's findings suggest that permanent speed-reducing structures and public transit are key to reducing road injuries.