Measuring Transit Equity of an On-Demand Multimodal Transit System

Abstract

Problem, research strategy, and findings: On-demand transit is attracting the attention of transportation researchers and transit agencies for its potential to solve the first-mile/last-mile problem. Although on-demand transit has been proved to increase transit accessibility significantly, its impact on transit equity and equality has not been addressed. In this study we examined the potential impact of the On-Demand Multimodal Transit System (ODMTS) in Atlanta (GA), on both transit equity and equality compared with the existing transit system. The results showed that ODMTS could have a positive impact on transit equality by reducing the disparity in transit service between neighborhoods close to and far from the existing transit network; however, it may not improve transit equity. Takeaway for practice: This study highlights the fact that improving transit service alone is not enough to create an equitable transportation environment, as accessibility is determined by both transportation and land use. Planners should consider interventions that address both factors, such as transit-oriented developments with affordable housing, to meaningfully tackle the inequities in transit accessibility. An interactive online portal for further exploration of various scenarios of accessibility changes in Atlanta and their impact on equity and equality is available at https://geospatial.gatech.edu/transit-equity.