Optimal Urban Transit Investment Model and Its Application

Abstract

We present a new urban transit investment model, integrating transport economic theory regarding optimal investment with transport modeling, planning, and network design. The model expands on the theory of optimal transit network planning and investment, accounting for the effects of the investment on accessibility, level of service, and speed. The model seeks long-term optimal transit investment and optimal road pricing simultaneously in an integrated, unified model. To illustrate the advantages of our approach, we applied our empirical model to two case studies, Tel Aviv and Toronto, integrating our theoretical contribution into practice. Our results demonstrate the model’s ability to indicate the optimal transit mode and investment on a corridor level and the total investment required for the city transit network. The model results were compared to the actual and planned transit networks of Tel Aviv and Toronto and showed the model’s capability to produce a good balance of strategic design and network details. The research concludes that applying the right toll with the applicable transit investment is crucial for obtaining an efficient network and performance. This research can direct planners and policymakers in planning urban transport and provide a comprehensive set of guidelines for optimizing the simultaneous investment in mass transit and the congestion toll toward more sustainable cities and transportation systems.

A Study on the Interdependence of Quality and Satisfaction with Public Transport in Rijeka

“…Public urban traffic directly helps to alleviate congestion, reduce noise, ensure a clearer environment, facilitate local businesses, enhance safety in urban traffic and increase employment. Cities across the world are investing heavily in their public transport systems to make them competitive with passenger car transport [12]. A 5-dollar return on investment can be made on every dollar invested in public urban transport [13].…”