An Optimization Model for Selecting Bus Stops for ADA Improvements

This paper describes a GIS-based decision support system for allocating bus stop improvements for riders with disabilities. The decision support system was based on an analysis of 5,034 bus stops in Broward County, Florida. The authors contend that bus stops are key links in the journeys of disabled bus riders. Inaccessible bus stops prevent people with disabilities from using fixed-route bus services, thus limiting their mobility. Due to limited budgets, transit agencies must select bus stops for which their improvements, as part of the effort to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), can maximize the overall benefits to patrons with disabilities. In the development of the support system, the authors used an analytic hierarchy process to combine all of the factors that affect optimum investment decisions, and used a binary linear programming model to determine a priority list of bus stop improvements based on budgetary and construction cost constraints. The final optimization model determined that 500 bus stops will receive priority ADA improvements; all of these bus stop locations are consistent with every criterion. This level of update is close to the actual construction capacity and, at this rate of improvement, all of the bus stops that do not currently meet ADA standards will be improved within the next five years. The authors conclude that, compared to the usual basis on which bus stops are slated for improvement, either based on staff experience or requests from elected officials, this decision tool provides a more reasonable platform on which to make improvement suggestions.