Improving transit connections through innovative mobility
options such as carsharing, smart parking, the EasyConnect program, and
ridesharing can make seamless door-to-door connectivity a viable option for
consumers. These modes of transportation
help get people out of their individual cars and into public transit or
carpooling. IMR’s research is focused on improving transit connections because
of the many benefits that result. Reducing the number of trips made by single
occupancy vehicles eases traffic congestion, saves energy because less fuel is
used, and cuts down on air pollution.
“Smart Parking” employs various types of advanced parking
systems and technologies to assist drivers in finding available parking spaces. IMR’s approach to smart parking management is
to apply advanced technologies to help direct drivers efficiently to available
parking spaces, reducing driver frustration and congestion on highways and
arterial streets.
Smart parking approaches range from dynamic displays on
roadway signs informing drivers of location and parking lot capacity, to use of
the Internet and cell phones to provide space availability, location, and
pricing information. Additionally, advanced
payment systems allow for seamless parking transactions and enhanced
efficiency. Smart parking can make better
use of existing parking infrastructure by creating market-based systems to
improve utilization rates and manage vehicle turnover.
Parking availability influences how individuals commute,
which, in turn, impacts transit use, single occupancy vehicle driving, and
traffic congestion. Through its research
and projects, IMR seeks to create a greater understanding of the impacts of
smart parking strategies on the broader transportation system, including how it
affects people’s decisions to choose a particular mode of transportation over
others.
Download attachment(s):
[ Smart Parking Final Report (2006) ]
Access from transit stations to employment and home
locations can be a significant barrier to transit use in many urban regions,
which is also commonly known as the “first and last mile” problem. Most people
are only willing to walk about a quarter of a mile from transit stations to
their destination. Bus feeder services can increase access, but fixed routes
and schedules significantly limit their appeal. EasyConnect project researches effective demand-responsive, easy-to-use
system that links home, work, and other activity destinations with transit
stations may encourage greater transit use, reduce vehicle travel, and
emissions.
Ridesharing, which includes carpooling and vanpooling, is a
great way for commuters to save time and money getting to and from work. Ridesharing also helps reduce air pollution
and ease traffic congestion because it can lead to fewer cars on the roads. Commuters
who carpool usually use their own cars. Those who use a vanpool usually use rented vans (often
supplied by employers, non-profit organizations, or government agencies). Many transit agencies and community
transportation organizations offer ridematching services, connecting travelers
with similar schedules and routes who are interested in ridesharing.
CARLINK I AND CARLINK II RESEARCH PROJECTS
CarLink I and II were commuter-based carsharing research
programs led by Dr. Susan Shaheen, who has evaluated and studied carsharing since the concept first
gained foothold in
North America. CarLink I
and II were among the first innovative carsharing projects tested in
North America.