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A Return on Investment Analysis of Bikes-on-Bus Programs
As bikes-on-bus (BOB) programs become popular and demand
increases, the typical rack capacity of only two bicycles per
bus can limit the integration of bicycles and transit. The
purpose of this project was to conduct a return on investment
analysis of BOB programs, and to develop recommendations on how
transit agencies can overcome rack capacity limitations. Fifteen
transit agencies and over 200 BOB users were surveyed. Missing
data, specifically the number of BOB boardings, made a rigorous
return on investment analysis impracticable. However, the
findings showed that transit agencies generally view the initial
investment and operational costs of BOB programs to be minimal
compared to the return on the investment. The BOB user survey
results showed that BOB programs attract new patrons, encourage
increased use of transit, and expand the transit service area.
When faced with rack capacity limitations, the transit agencies
have added three-bike capacity racks or have experimented with
allowing bicycles in the bus. While added rack capacity and an
effective bikes-in-bus (BIB) policy can improve the integration
of bicycles and transit, it is recommended that transit agencies
invest in a bike-to-transit strategy. The survey results showed
that BOB users tend to bicycle a greater distance from their
residence to the bus stop than between the bus stop and the work
site. Therefore, this strategy is centered on the provision of
bicycle parking at bus stops and transfer centers to accommodate
BOB users that need their bicycle on only one side of their
transit trip. Bicycle parking at bus stops, specifically in
residential areas, can ease the impact of rack capacity
limitations and maximize the potential of the bicycle as a means
to access transit. A copy of the final report is
available here in pdf format and in
HTML format. For more information,
contact Chris Hagelin at
hagelin@cutr.usf.edu.
6.10.05
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813.974.5168 fax