Design and Optimization of a Feeder Demand Responsive Transit System in El Cenizo,TX
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Date
2010-10-12
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Abstract
The colonias along the Texas-Mexico border are one of the most rapidly growing areas
in Texas. Because of the relatively low income of the residents and an inadequate
availability of transportation services, the need for basic social activities for the colonias
cannot be properly met. The objectives of this study are to have a better comprehension
of the status quo of these communities by examining the potential demand for an
improved transportation service and evaluate the capacity and optimum service time
interval of a new demand responsive transit "feeder" service within one representative
colonia, El Cenizo. A comprehensive analysis of the results of a survey conducted
through a questionnaire is presented to explain the existing travel patterns and potential
demand for a feeder service.
The results of this thesis and work from the subsequent simulation analysis showed that
a single shuttle would be able to comfortably serve 150 passengers/day. It further
showed that the optimal cycle length between consecutive departures from the terminal
should be between 11-13 minutes for best service quality. This exploratory study should
serve as a first step towards improving transportation services within these growing underprivileged communities especially those with demographics and geography similar
to the target area of El Cenizo.
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Keywords
Colonias, Demand responsive transit, Cumulative distribution function, Saturation point