Articles tagged with Mass Transit
A study in Toronto found that commuters are exposed to high levels of noise while using public transport, with peak levels exceeding EPA recommended thresholds. Researchers recommend reducing noise exposure through materials and equipment improvements, as well as promoting hearing protection.
A UTA study found that more than 65% of residents living in the transit-dependent core of Dallas have limited access to jobs within a 45-minute commute time. The study also shows that households spend over 19% of their income on transportation, making it unaffordable for many residents.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 27.2% to 29.5% in August 2017, reflecting a prolonged stretch of gains. Transportation barriers can be overcome through targeted training programs and services, expanding access to employment and community activities.
A new study by the University of Plymouth found that European governments are placing too much emphasis on safety and affordability when it comes to transport policies for older people. The research highlights the need for a more rounded approach that prioritizes mobility, independence, and social inclusion.
A recent study from Concordia's John Molson School of Business found that cycling to work significantly lowers stress levels within the first 45 minutes of work. The study collected data from 123 employees at Autodesk and confirmed previous research that cyclists perceive their commute as less stressful than those who travel by car.
The Michigan Health Endowment Fund awarded Wayne State University $460,305 for three research projects focused on reducing health disparities among children and seniors in Michigan. The projects aim to improve public transportation access, inspire future public health professionals, and support families at skilled nursing facilities.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers found that higher mass transit use is associated with lower obesity rates in counties across the US. The study controlled for various factors and found a 0.2% drop in obesity rates for every 1% increase in public transit usage.
Active commuting by cycling is associated with substantial health benefits, including lower risks of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Walking also shows benefits, but only if done for more than six miles a week.
A new travel study by UConn faculty will gather current data on residents' travel characteristics to inform transportation infrastructure decisions. The study aims to determine the role of transit, biking, and walking in improving mobility in communities.
A study found that people living in activity-friendly neighborhoods take up to 90 minutes more exercise per week. The research team mapped neighborhood features and physical activity was measured using accelerometers.
A new study by University of Vermont researchers suggests that high school age teens' decisions to begin driving when they're of age are influenced by infrastructure and land use patterns in their community. The study found that teens from suburban areas with limited public transportation options obtained their driver's license earlier...
A recent study found that 40% of women in Delhi experienced sexual harassment in the past year, leading to a significant impact on their daily lives. The research highlights the importance of addressing women's safety in public spaces and implementing effective measures to prevent such incidents.
A recent study published in Housing Policy Debate journal assesses the impact of transportation costs on subsidized housing affordability. The research reveals that many affordable housing units in locations without public transportation have residents spending over 15% of their income on transportation costs.
A new study found that adults who commute to work via cycling, walking, or public transport have lower body fat percentage and BMI measures in mid-life. The strongest associations were seen for adults who commuted via bicycle, followed by those who used a combination of modes.
A Canadian researcher from Concordia University used mobile technology to map the public transit system in Ghana's capital, Accra. The study found 'ghost routes' that were claimed by drivers but not in use, revealing a clearer sense of actual trotro services.
PolyU researchers develop integrated algorithm to estimate real-time journey time and traffic speed, taking into account uncertainty and on-time arrival probability. The system offers personalized driving routes with enhanced reliability, saving time and petrol for motorists.
A Rutgers study finds that adults with ASD in New Jersey primarily rely on family members for transportation, leading to stress and negative employment consequences. The report offers recommendations to address these challenges, including establishing a research center and developing training programs for vehicle operators.
A Japanese study found that bus/train commuters were 44% less likely to be overweight, 27% less likely to have high blood pressure, and 34% less likely to have diabetes compared to drivers. Regular public transportation use may also encourage longer walks to and from the train or bus station.
Researchers found that switching from driving to walking, cycling, or public transport can lead to a significant reduction in BMI (0.32 kg/m2) over two years. The longer the commute, the stronger the association with weight loss.
Researchers will create tools using Argonne's POLARIS system to model and simulate the movement of people via mass transportation during emergencies. The tools will provide complex modeling, simulation, and real-time assistance for officials during emergencies.
A new study suggests that the role of public utility commissions and the National Labor Relations Act in labor disputes regarding electric utilities need to be reexamined. The study's author argues that modifying the NLRA could help change the mindset of both labor and management, and ensure that public safety is prioritized.
According to a study by the University of the Basque Country, the mobility model is closely linked to the city's characteristics. The study found that compact towns and cities have lower private vehicle use, better public transport offers lead to less car usage, and higher per capita income is associated with greater private car use. T...
Research by the University of East Anglia found that walking and cycling to work improves mental health and wellbeing. Commuters who switched from driving to active transport reported improved concentration, reduced stress, and better psychological wellbeing.
A UK study published in the BMJ Group reveals a significant association between active commuting methods (walking, cycling, or using public transport) and lower BMI scores. For men, this equates to a difference of nearly half a stone in weight, while for women, it's around 5.5lb, compared to those who used private transport.
A new study by MIT researchers shows that commuting times are generally independent of distance traveled, as long as commuters have access to various transportation options. This is demonstrated through the use of mobile phone data across five locations on four continents.
A new study published in Crime Science found that below ground offences are concentrated at particular stations, with the highest risk during morning and late afternoon peak travel periods. The research developed an algorithm to calculate the probability of where theft is most likely, helping authorities target resources more effectively.
A new study by Drexel University found that low parking costs are associated with increased public transit miles, despite efforts to promote non-automobile travel. Cities with higher parking costs saw a 2.3-fold increase in public transit passenger miles.
A University of Texas at Arlington civil engineer will investigate the impact of technology on pedestrian safety, sustainable commuting practices and driver safety. The research aims to develop comprehensive, more livable transportation solutions that prioritize community and public health.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki have developed a method to extract information about vehicular movement patterns from smartphone accelerometer measurements. The technique can detect most common public transportation types with over 80% accuracy, making it suitable for daily monitoring and fine-grained modeling of human tran...
Researchers will use Tiramisu Transit to understand how real-time trip information and community dialog empower accessible travel. The center will also design faster, safer, and more accessible boarding and disembarking processes for buses. Additionally, the team will develop software systems to help riders during multi-modal trips.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that walking to work cuts the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure by 40% compared to driving. People who walk or cycle to work are also less likely to be overweight, with cyclists being half as likely to have diabetes as drivers.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems developed a mobile app that integrates real-time traffic data into regional public transportation. The system provides personalized routing suggestions based on user preferences and displays bus schedules, routes, and nearby points of interest.
The survey found that a majority of Harris County residents (56%) believe a well-developed mass transit system is very important for the future success of the Houston area. Additionally, perspectives on the local economy have improved, with 48% of respondents rating job opportunities as excellent or good, but personal financial situati...
The Resilient Tunnel Project developed an inflatable cylinder capable of containing 35,000 gallons of water or air to seal off a section of tunnel in emergency situations. The plug's design overcame challenges related to its size, strength, and pliability, with the help of advanced materials like Vectran and polyurethane.
Research published in BMC Public Health found that commuting by car or public transport is associated with negative health effects compared to walking or cycling. The study of 21,000 people showed that longer journey times increased the risk of poor health outcomes.
A new study finds that congestion pricing works best when partnered with land-use planning, suggesting that the two strategies are mutually supportive. The study analyzed data from a Portland mileage-fee pilot program and found that VMT reduction is greater in traditional neighborhoods than suburban ones.
A new study of 54 nations found that more progressive taxation is associated with greater personal well-being and life satisfaction. The researchers analyzed data from the Gallup Organization and found that citizens in nations with more progressive taxes reported having more satisfying experiences and fewer discomfiting ones.
Cities worldwide are failing to protect residents from climate change impacts, despite billions of people being vulnerable to heat waves, sea level rise, and other changes. Fast-growing urban areas are particularly at risk, with many cities lacking effective strategies to safeguard their residents.
Researchers found that recent bus or tram use within five days of symptom onset was associated with a six-fold increased risk of going to the doctor. Daily users may be protected against seasonal influenza and pandemic risks due to repeated exposure, experts say.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that individuals who used light rail transit (LRT) for commuting experienced increased physical activity and subsequent weight loss. LRT users were also 81% less likely to become obese over time.
David Carey, a quadriplegic, received the RWJF Community Health Leaders Award for his advocacy work and establishment of Inspire Co-op, which helps people with disabilities lead independent lives. He also successfully worked with the city of Tempe to ensure safe public transportation options for persons with physical disabilities.
The Federal Transit Administration has awarded a $1.5 million grant to the Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University to develop the National Technical Assistance Center for Alternative Transportation in Public Lands. This center will provide federally owned land managers with a 'one-stop shop' of information, trainin...
Researchers found Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) subways had the highest average noise levels in New York City, with levels high enough to increase the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. The study highlights the need for increased transit infrastructure maintenance and personal protection measures to reduce noise exposure.
Research suggests taking public transit can help individuals meet daily physical activity requirements by up to three times. Short walks during transit trips contribute to this increased activity level.
The US Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate conducted an experiment where a retired public bus was rigged with explosives and cameras were detonated to assess their durability. Fourteen out of 16 memory chips survived the blast, demonstrating potential for these cameras in mass transit security.
Mass transportation ranks 10th with a positive score of +40.8, up from 2002. Education remains top priority, followed by health care. Support for infrastructure spending increases following the Minneapolis bridge collapse in 2007. The General Social Survey found growing public support for mass transit and infrastructure spending.
A computer simulation suggests that large buses running on separate traffic lanes can achieve a comfortable level of crowding without gridlock. The study's findings support mass transportation as the preferred option for most commuters, even with a few individuals choosing to drive by car.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that subway-related fatalities are largely unintentional, with 47.2% due to accidents, and often linked to alcohol intoxication. Structural improvements and public safety messages can reduce the risk of such fatalities.
Researchers are developing ways to empower consumers and transit service providers in designing accessible transportation equipment, information services, and physical environments. A new Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) will focus on creating a public Web site where riders can report on their experiences and collabora...
A new study suggests that job growth is not the only factor controlling job attainment and poverty rates, as many barriers limit its effectiveness. In small metropolitan areas, jobs had a bigger impact on reducing poverty due to easier access to job opportunities.
A new study by National Geographic Society reveals surprising differences in environmentally friendly actions among consumers worldwide. Consumers in India and Brazil topped the ranking, while US consumers scored lowest, highlighting the importance of individual consumer behavior in environmental sustainability.
A study suggests that increasing active transport, like walking and cycling, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 while improving public health. Public policies promoting low-carbon transportation systems can bring substantial health benefits to all populations, especially the poor.
A study by Netherlands researcher Taede Tillema found that households and companies adjust car journeys to avoid pay-as-you-drive tolls, reducing non-daily shopping trips by 19% and work journeys during rush hour by 15%. The most effective measure is a kilometres-driven toll during rush hour or tolls on specific sections of road.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that seniors who give up driving are less likely to enter nursing homes or assisted living centers than those who have never driven. The study included extensive interviews with 1,593 seniors between 65 and 84 years old.
Researchers develop wireless public transport network protocol allowing vehicles to create a communication network. The system can learn from user behavior and adapt to traffic conditions, providing a more attractive option for commuters.
The study found that awareness of the American Disabilities Act is linked to positive changes in public attitude toward the disabled and improved access to public facilities. However, implementation gaps remain, particularly in educating consumers with disabilities about their consumer rights.
Despite years of decline, trade unions are finding new ways to gain support and influence, such as community links and international agreements. Research shows that partnerships with employers and local consultation can drive growth, but challenges remain in certain workplace environments.
A nationwide study by Ohio State University found that ozone concentrations in US cities are primarily influenced by external factors such as construction and road intersections. The study revealed a positive correlation between public transportation use and reduced ozone levels, as well as the importance of preserving green space in d...