Abstracts from the

Journal of Public Transportation

Volume 2, No. 3, 1999

Modeling Senior Travelers’ Acceptance of New Transit Systems
Mohamed A. Abdel-Aty
University of Central Florida

Abstract

This article examines the findings of an investigation of senior travelers’ willingness to use several advanced transit systems. Elderly travelers were surveyed to evaluate their acceptance of a real-time paratransit and several transit information systems. The likelihood of using each system was estimated using the binary probit modeling methodology. The analysis showed that gender, income, age, type of trips recently made, and several perception-related variables are among the factors that affect the decision to accept the new transportation systems. The study also showed the important potential of several transportation technologies to increase the mobility and alleviate the transportation difficulties of the elderly population. In addition, the results illustrated the willingness of many groups of senior travelers to use new transportation systems in an attempt to reduce their travel problems.

Environmental Responsiveness in Australia’s Bus and Coach
Supply Chain
Ann M. Brewer
Institute of Transport Studies, The University of Sydney

Abstract

The responsiveness of business enterprises to the natural environment is of great concern to both the government and industrial sectors in Australia. A key question emerges as to which industries are environmentally more responsive than others. This article examines transportation’s contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It identifies and describes environmental responsiveness within Australia’s bus and coach sector, a major operator of passenger transport. This sector is defined in the full context of the supply chain; that is, the integration of business processes from manufacturers and suppliers of vehicles and fuel to the providers of services and information for the benefit and value of customers. The article focuses on the perceptions that bus and coach operators have about environmental opportunities and associated risks. Twenty-six key stakeholders were invited to participate in either a survey or case study designed to ascertain energy and waste management practices. Environmental responsiveness occurs when it has the greatest potential impact on the “bottom line” of both the environment and the business. While operators initiated waste and energy management programs to be socially responsible, the continuation of these practices depended on their cost effectiveness to the business. A number of specific actions are warranted based on the study’s findings.

Transit Customer Acceptance of Automated Fare Collection Systems
Peter J. Foote, Ross T. Patronsky, Darwin G. Stuart
Chicago Transit Authority

Abstract

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) inaugurated an Automated Fare Collection (AFC) system in Fall 1997. More than 1 million daily rides now utilize AFC to access CTA’s bus and rail service networks. While this represents about three-fourths of all CTA riders, many have stayed with cash or tokens (though the latter are now being phased out); monthly passes have been fully integrated with the farecard technology. This article provides a one-year perspective on customer reactions to, acceptance of, and problems with the new AFC system. It examines “before” and “after” shifts among the various fare media options available, and discusses major differences for bus and rail customers regarding ease of purchasing automated farecards and the resultant greater usage levels for rail as compared to bus. This article also reviews behavior in purchasing precoded, fixed-value farecards; buying variable-value farecards at automated vending machines (AVMs) located at rail stations; and recharging previously purchased farecards at those AVMs. Systemwide customer satisfaction surveys conducted in 1995 and 1997 found that satisfaction ratings, particularly among bus riders, significantly improved for several different fare-related service attributes. Transactions handled by rail station customer assistants, the CTA customer service hot line, and its AFC express unit desk, in dealing with customer questions/problems regarding the new AFC equipment, are also discussed. Typical weekday complaint levels related to AFC--especially those involving refund requests--are quite modest, but require sustained levels of courtesy and quick response.

Assessing Transit Station Area Redevelopment
A Case Study of the Lindbergh Station in Atlanta
Lawrence D. Frank, Georgia Institute of Technology
Mollie Stephenson Smith, CRA Associated, Inc.
Eleanor Q. Matthews, MARKETEK, Inc.

Abstract

This article assesses the land-use, demographic, circulation, and economic development attributes of transit station area development. Findings from this assessment are applied to the Lindbergh Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Station area in Atlanta, Georgia, for which a private-public partnership is currently being negotiated. Recommendations for the redevelopment of the Lindbergh Station area are provided, including a schematic design that integrates those recommendations. The resulting recommendations are intended to maximize the likelihood for transit ridership and economic benefit while offsetting traffic congestion and vehicle emissions--in keeping with the objectives of the Federal Transit Administration’s Livable Communities Initiative. A safe and inviting walking environment throughout a station area--extending well beyond the area of physical redevelopment itself--is fundamental to achieving these objectives. Existing barrier effects and lack of pedestrian connectivity associated with major transportation corridors within the Lindbergh Station area will significantly offset transportation and environmental benefits on which public investment in the redevelopment is predicated. Solutions are required that provide not only safer street crossings, but a larger proportion of rights-of-way devoted to pedestrian movement and the development of a “street life.”  Priority should be given to pedestrian improvements that increase access to transit for traditionally underserved populations. Finally, open space is required to effectively compete with other more auto-dependent areas and to draw higher income populations to transit station areas.

Transit Stations and Commercial Property Values: A Case Study with Policy and Land-Use Implications
Arthur C. Nelson
City Planning Program, Georgia Institute of Technology

Abstract

There is little research about the association between rail transit station proximity and commercial property values. There is even less research on the role of public policy in influencing commercial property markets near transit stations without resorting to supply-side constraints. The research reported in this article helps close these gaps in research.

This article develops a theory on commercial property value with respect to both transit station proximity and the role of policies that encourage commercial development around transit stations without discouraging commercial development elsewhere. The theory is applied to the universe of commercial property sales in the area of Atlanta known as “Midtown,” which is located about 1 kilometer north of the downtown edge. Midtown is served by three heavy rail transit stations operated by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). To encourage development around MARTA stations, Atlanta waives parking and floor area ratio requirements in Special Public Interest Districts (SPIDs) located around rail stations. Research shows that commercial property values are influenced positively by both access to rail stations and policies that encourage more intensive development around those stations. This article explores both theoretical and policy implications.