Rural transit systems benefits in Tennessee: methodology and an empirical study
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2005
Subject Area
place - north america, place - rural, economics - benefits, mode - demand responsive transit
Keywords
rural, benefits assessment, demand responsive services
Abstract
This paper describes the application of a detailed benefits assessment framework and sensitivity analysis of the operation of rural public transit services in the state of Tennessee. The paper describes the major components of this benefits framework and its application to the demand-responsive services operated within the state during the 1998/99 fiscal year. An empirical analysis yields a benefit/cost ratio greater than 1.0, with benefits dominated by accessibility gains to current transit patrons through the provision of mobility-enhancing vanpool services. Without these services, the costs of providing an equivalent level of access to health care, job training, and other important household activities would be much higher. Improved and expanded transit rider-based data collection efforts are recommended.
Rights
Permission to publish the abstract has been given by Environment and Planning, copyright remains with them.
Recommended Citation
Southworth, F., Vogt, D. P., & Curlee T. R. (2005), "Rural transit systems benefits in Tennessee: methodology and an empirical study" Environment and Planning A 37(5) 861 – 875.
