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Optimum Stop Spacing for Accessibility

Author

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  • David Levinson

    (TransportLab, School of Civil Engineering, University of Sydney)

Abstract

The cumulative opportunities measure accessibility is defined as the number of opportunities reachable under a given time threshold. The spacing between transit stations is fundamental for accessibility by transit, yet the stations cannot be easily relocated in built-up areas. This paper examines the relation between transit stop spacing and person-weighted accessibility for an urban train route through an analytical model, and identifies that for each type of transit (e.g., given some combination of vehicle acceleration, deceleration, top speed, dwell time, platform type), an optimal stop spacing exists that maximizes accessibility; neither short nor excessive stop spacing are efficient in providing accessibility. Rail is used as example, though the model and findings are applicable to bus services as well. This paper brings attention to the importance of stop spacing in accessibility, and provides guidelines for transit planning for the operational improvement of transit accessibility.

Suggested Citation

  • David Levinson, 2022. "Optimum Stop Spacing for Accessibility," Working Papers 2021-08, University of Minnesota: Nexus Research Group.
    • Handle: RePEc:nex:wpaper:optimumstopspacing
    DOI: 10.18757/ejtir.2021.21.2.4794
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2123/18778
    File Function: First version, 2021
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alireza Ermagun & David Levinson, 2015. "Access and Transit System Performance," Working Papers 000129, University of Minnesota: Nexus Research Group.
    2. Arthur (Yan) Huang & David Levinson, 2015. "Axis of travel: Modeling non-work destination choice with GPS data," Working Papers 000113, University of Minnesota: Nexus Research Group.
    3. Daganzo, Carlos F., 2010. "Structure of competitive transit networks," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 44(4), pages 434-446, May.
    4. David Levinson & Ajay Kumar, 1994. "The Rational Locator: Why Travel Times Have Remained Stable," Working Papers 199402, University of Minnesota: Nexus Research Group.
    5. David Levinson & Yao Wu, 2005. "The rational locator reexamined: Are travel times still stable?," Transportation, Springer, vol. 32(2), pages 187-202, March.
    6. Boisjoly, Geneviève & El-Geneidy, Ahmed M., 2017. "The insider: A planners' perspective on accessibility," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 33-43.
    7. Yao Wu & David Levinson, 2005. "The Rational Locator Reexamined," Working Papers 200503, University of Minnesota: Nexus Research Group.
    8. Ibeas, Ángel & dell'Olio, Luigi & Alonso, Borja & Sainz, Olivia, 2010. "Optimizing bus stop spacing in urban areas," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 46(3), pages 446-458, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • R41 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise
    • R14 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Land Use Patterns

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