The Effects of Utility Based Accessibility on Transportation Mode Choice

The Effects of Utility Based Accessibility on Transportation Mode Choic

Comparison of different capacity models for traffic circles

Traffic circles have been used in many countries all over the world. Traffic circles can be defined as intersections where traffic circulates around a center island where priority is given to the vehicles entering from branches and are designed considering weaving movements as the basic goal. There are two most common capacity analysis methods for traffic circles: the method of critical gap acceptance and the method of regression analysis. This study explains the methods of gap acceptance and regression analysis. Ashworth and Field method is investigated and the applicability of these capacity models in Turkey is discussed. The obtained results have shown that both methodologies give satisfactory results; however, the existing methods should be improved (modified) considering conditions

Impact of utility-based accessibility measures on urban public transportation planning: A case study of Denizli, Turkey

As it is considerably difficult to identify specific changes by using a single numeric parameter, improvements gained by a new urban public transport (UPT) facility or by an operation policy is still a challenge in the decision-making process with respect to transportation planning. Although some indicators such as service quality, capacity usage ratio, service kilometers, passenger kilometers or seat kilometers are used by planners and policy makers, these indicators may not always reflect the total gain of trip makers: to access a facility providing a specific utility. Thus, this study aims to evaluate accessibility measures as performance indicators in the UPT planning process. Three scenarios that consist of timetable regulation, central business district restriction and integration with bus rapid transit are investigated using accessibility perspective in addition to the conventional indicators obtained by using VISUM™ travel demand modeling software. The results show that the first scenario leads to a more effective UPT system in terms of accessibility. Hence, a more distinctive measure is obtained for the decision stage of UPT planning. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd

Impact of utility-based accessibility measures on urban public transportation planning: A case study of Denizli, Turkey

As it is considerably difficult to identify specific changes by using a single numeric parameter, improvements gained by a new urban public transport (UPT) facility or by an operation policy is still a challenge in the decision-making process with respect to transportation planning. Although some indicators such as service quality, capacity usage ratio, service kilometers, passenger kilometers or seat kilometers are used by planners and policy makers, these indicators may not always reflect the total gain of trip makers: to access a facility providing a specific utility. Thus, this study aims to evaluate accessibility measures as performance indicators in the UPT planning process. Three scenarios that consist of timetable regulation, central business district restriction and integration with bus rapid transit are investigated using accessibility perspective in addition to the conventional indicators obtained by using VISUM™ travel demand modeling software. The results show that the first scenario leads to a more effective UPT system in terms of accessibility. Hence, a more distinctive measure is obtained for the decision stage of UPT planning. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd