Identifying the Characteristics of Successful Local Transit Circulator Systems in Residential Areas of Southeast Florida

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2004

Subject Area

planning - surveys, planning - signage/information, land use - urban density, technology - geographic information systems, mode - bus, literature review - literature review

Keywords

Automobile ownership; Broward Country (Florida); Census;Circulator shuttle, Connections (Transportation), Geographic information systems, Income, Literature reviews, Population density, Public transit, Residential areas, Shuttle buses, Southeast Florida, Surveys

Abstract

This research synthesis seeks to identify the key factors that determine the success of a community shuttle system by focusing on the Community Bus Program operating in Broward County, Florida. A measure of success commonly used in transit is passengers per revenue hour. Passengers per revenue hour is most commonly influenced by densities and income levels but this research also examines whether service promotion, management techniques, effectiveness of connections, and other such factors influence success. The research includes a review of literature, feedback from passengers, bus operators and service administrators, and census data analysis and geographic information system (GIS) mapping. The objective of this synthesis was to learn lessons that might be valuable to other areas considering the establishment of similar services. The research indicates that the elements of density, income, and car ownership remain significant to the success of local circulators as do connections with regional transit service. The research also shows that the composition of passengers is significantly different than originally expected.

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