Transportation CE 434

CE 434– PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Exam I: Sample Solution 1. The primary purpose of all automated data collection methods (e.g., APC, AVL, AFC) is data collection. True or False F: only for APC. AVL to identify location for emergencies, real-time passenger info, etc. AFC for fare collection. 2. Both point and ride checks can be conducted on board a transit vehicle. True or False F: Only ride check. Point check is performed at a stop along the route (e.g., peak point, end point, etc.) 3. Intercity bus services are not considered public transportation according to the Federal Public Transportation Law. True or False T: intercity bus as well as other intercity mass transport (e.g., intercity train, air travel) are not included. 4. Today, data reporting to the NTD is required only for urban transit agencies. True or False F: All transit agencies who receive funding should report. FTA has programs for urban, rural, and others (such as “Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities”). 5. Select all factors that are associated with lower price elasticities of transit demand (i.e., demand that is less sensitive to price changes). Captive riders (or riders that have no alternative choice) such as elderly, low-income people, non-drivers. These population groups are generally less price-sensitive than other groups. Recreational trips and other non-commute trips. Non-commute trips are less price-sensitive than commute trips. Small cities and suburbs. Such areas are generally less price-sensitive than large cities. Shorter time periods. Elasticities increase over time (elasticities are lower in the short-run than in the long-run). Transit demand for work trips. This demand is generally less price-sensitive than demand for transit associated with trips purposes like shopping. Demand for short trips. Generally, demand for tips shorter than 1 mile is less price-sensitive (than for longer trips) Questions 6-7-8-9. Elasticity with respect to service A transit system carries 1,000 passengers per day, 500 during the peak AM and PM periods and 500 during the off-peak period. The frequency of the buses is approximately 2 buses per hour for both the peak and off-peak periods. The manager decided to decrease the frequency to 1 bus per hour. Over the next 5 years, there was a reduction from 500 to 315 passengers during the peak period and from 500 to 270 passengers during the off-peak period. (7) Calculate the peak and off-peak service frequency elasticities. (40 points) (8) Comment on the elasticities you found. Are the values what you expected (sign and magnitude)? How do they compare with the commonly used values? Is the difference between peak and off-peak elasticities what you expected? (10 points) Solution (𝑄 −𝑄 )/𝑄 (270−500)/500 (7) Off-peak period: (𝑆1 −𝑆0)/𝑆 0 = = +0.92 (20 pnts) (1−2)/2 1 0 (𝑄 −𝑄 )/𝑄 (8) Peak period: (𝑆1 −𝑆0)/𝑆 0 = 1 0 0 0 (315−500)/500 (1−2)/2 = +0.74 (20 pnts) (9) The elasticities are positive, which is expected as they are elasticities with respect to frequency (more frequent service would be associated with higher demand). (-2 pnts if missed/wrong) They are