Modeling and Evaluating Public Transit Equity and Accessibility by Integrating General Transit Feed Specification Data: Case Study of the City of Charlotte

This study models and evaluates the accessibility to public transit and public transit equity by integrating the general transit feed specification (GTFS) data. A transit gap index (TGI) and a geographic information system (GIS)-based methodology are developed to conduct the assessment. The TGI is developed by taking into consideration demographic features, as well as spatial and temporal transit service characteristics. A case study in the city of Charlotte is conducted and a comprehensive gap analysis based on the proposed methodology is performed. Results show that the transit supply provides higher service coverages in the central business district of Charlotte and decreases as the distance to downtown Charlotte increases. Most of the identified transit-dependent areas are suburban and rural communities located on the fringe of the city. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted to examine the impact of different walking distances on transit gaps. Guidelines are developed and best-practice recommendations for the use of GTFS data as a main data source are made to better understand and assess public transit equity and accessibility for public transportation planning and operation. Several policy implications are also drawn in terms of enhancing the public transit system equity and accessibility.