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Article
Micro Transit Simulation of On-Demand Shuttles Based on Transit Data for First- and Last-Mile Connection
ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information
  • Cristian Poliziani, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
  • Gary Hsueh, CHS Consulting Group
  • David Czerwinski, San Jose State University
  • Tom Wenzel, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
  • Zachary Needell, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
  • Haitam Laarabi, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
  • Joerg Schweizer, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna
  • Federico Rupi, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna
Publication Date
4-1-2023
Document Type
Article
DOI
10.3390/ijgi12040177
Abstract

We simulate the introduction of shared, automated, and electric vehicles (SAEVs) providing on-demand shuttles service in a large-scale transport digital twin of the San Francisco Bay Area region (California, USA) based on transit supply and demand data, and using the mesoscopic agent-based Behavior, Energy, Autonomy, and Mobility beta software (BEAM) developed at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). The main goal of this study is to test the operations of this novel mobility service integrated with existing fixed-route public transportation service in a mesoscopic simulation of a real case scenario, while testing the BEAM beta software capabilities. In particular, we test the introduction of fleets of on-demand vehicles bound to operate within circular catchment areas centered on high-frequency transit stops, with the purpose of extending the reach of fixed-route transit by providing an alternative first- and last-mile connection at high-frequency public transport stations. Results show that on-demand automated shuttles represent the best solution for some users, increasing the overall transit ridership by 3%, and replacing mostly ride-hail trips, especially those connecting to transit stops, but also some walking trips. This type of service has the potential to reduce overall vehicle miles traveled (VMT), increase transit accessibility, and save energy, but future research is needed to optimize this type of service and make it more attractive to travelers.

Funding Number
DE-AC02-05CH11231
Funding Sponsor
U.S. Department of Energy
Keywords
  • accessibility,
  • micro transit,
  • simulation,
  • transit data,
  • transport
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
Citation Information
Cristian Poliziani, Gary Hsueh, David Czerwinski, Tom Wenzel, et al.. "Micro Transit Simulation of On-Demand Shuttles Based on Transit Data for First- and Last-Mile Connection" ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information Vol. 12 Iss. 4 (2023)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/david_czerwinski/15/