ANALYSIS OF REGIONAL PARK-AND-RIDE AND EXPRESS BUS SERVICE

The results of a study aimed at increasing the transit patronage, reducing the automobile travel, and improving the air quality in the Delaware Valley Region by introducing park-and-ride and express bus service are summarized. For this study, 45 bus corridors connecting 178 parking locations in major shopping areas with 500 or more parking spaces were initially identified. Many of these corridors were eliminated from further consideration to avoid duplication of service and frequent bus stops along the routes. A set of 21 corridors linking 47 parking locations was then tested by using UMTA's UTPS modeling package. Those park-and-ride locations that attracted more than 250 riders from the existing commuter and subway-elevated routes in the vicinity of the parking locations were not included. Other locations that attracted fewer than 50 riders from the use of automobiles were also dropped from further consideration. Based on these criteria, a final network of 14 routes and 25 parking lots is recommended for further detailed analysis and implementation studies. The impact on air quality and energy of the recommended facilities is also presented. Estimates for capital expenditure and operating cost for implementing the park-and-ride and express bus service are also included.