Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

9-2011

Subject Area

place - australasia, mode - mass transit, economics - value of time, planning - network design, ridership - growth

Keywords

linked trips, times, costs, mode, travel demand, insufficient modal integration, grid routes

Abstract

This paper reports on findings from a study of which the central research aim was to understand the spatial characteristics of linked trips initiated from three dissimilar areas of Sydney, and to measure the times and costs of these trips by mode. Travel desire was graphically shown to be almost a uniform pattern of linked movement in all directions from the home, almost regardless of where in Sydney the home was located. The transport services were examined to establish just how well public transport was capable of satisfying this revealed demand. The three study areas were well serviced by public transport. Despite coverage of the study areas being fairly complete, the availability, frequency and coverage of service meant that they were not capable of adequately satisfying the revealed travel demand. At present it appears that only 15% of the travel market is being pursued by public transport, compared to the 50-60% of motorised travel needs which are effectively neglected, and are satisfied only by the car. Our study suggests that the full network effect of the various public transport systems of Sydney are not being exploited because of route policy and insufficient modal integration. The implications of these findings for the current “Cities of Cities” approach to the Metropolitan Plan are significant. There would be greater prospect of successful public transport by using more appropriate grid or mesh route structures to serve all areas, not just some areas as the current spoke and wheel structure does.

Download

Share

COinS