Developing a Transportation Demand Management Tool for DRPT to Understand the Factors Affecting Transit Ridership

About the project:

This research aims to develop a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) evaluation tool for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). TDM strategies aim to reduce dependence on single-occupant vehicles and promote more sustainable modes such as public transportation. One traditional way to understand the impact of a single TDM strategy on mode choice would be to conduct before and after surveys. Without implementing the TDM strategy, forecasting the effect of that specific TDM strategy on transit ridership is not possible. To address this issue, this research will develop a tool to assess the effect of a single TDM strategy or a combination of multiple TDM strategies on individuals' mode choices. A joint revealed preference (RP) and stated preference (SP) survey will help understand individuals' preferences towards certain TDM strategies in Virginia. An advanced joint RP-SP model will be estimated based on the collected data. This model will be integrated into a flexible tool, so staff from VDOT, DRPT, transit agencies, and TDM organizations could use the tool to estimate the effect of various TDM policies on transit ridership and mode choice behavior. 

Project Team

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