2019 TRANSPORT CHICAGO CONFERENCE JUNE 14, 2019 | Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza | 350 W Wolf Point Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654 |
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REGISTRATION & BREAKFAST
MORNING KEYNOTE
John Porcari
Mr. Porcari will be the morning keynote speaker. He currently directs WSP's strategic consulting services across all market sectors including buildings, industrial and energy, and environment.
WSP USA's strategic consulting services across all markets including buildings, energy, transportation, and water and environment. Learn more.
Mr. Porcari will be the morning keynote speaker. He currently directs WSP's strategic consulting services across all market sectors including buildings, industrial and energy, and environment.
WSP USA's strategic consulting services across all markets including buildings, energy, transportation, and water and environment. Learn more.
SESSION 1
Micromobility: Challenges & Opportunities for Chicago
Moderated by Ric Kolenda, DePaul University
#MicroMobility (twitter)
Urban micromobility (bikes and scooters) hold great promise for reducing motor vehicle use and addressing the "last mile" public transit issue. But while big changes in the types and access have expanded possibilities, policymakers still face challenges in the implementation of these new options.
This session will identify some of these challenges — including safety and equity issues for bicycle infrastructure and dockless bikes and e-scooters — and suggest some opportunities for an emerging micromobility policy regime.
Moderated by Ric Kolenda, DePaul University
#MicroMobility (twitter)
Urban micromobility (bikes and scooters) hold great promise for reducing motor vehicle use and addressing the "last mile" public transit issue. But while big changes in the types and access have expanded possibilities, policymakers still face challenges in the implementation of these new options.
This session will identify some of these challenges — including safety and equity issues for bicycle infrastructure and dockless bikes and e-scooters — and suggest some opportunities for an emerging micromobility policy regime.
Alex Hanson, Sam Schwartz
presentation link
Across 2017 and 2018, new app-based, dockless bikesharing technologies were launched in a number of cities across the US. These privately owned and operated systems offer cities myriad potential benefits and challenges and are diverse in scale, density, technology, equipment, and operations.
To better understand the potential benefit of dockless technology and the flexibility of new operating models, the City of Chicago conducted a pilot to prioritize and address Chicago-specific needs and concerns. This presentation will share data and key findings from Chicago's dockless bikeshare pilot and explore how these findings can be used to expand mobility options for Chicagoans moving forward.
presentation link
Across 2017 and 2018, new app-based, dockless bikesharing technologies were launched in a number of cities across the US. These privately owned and operated systems offer cities myriad potential benefits and challenges and are diverse in scale, density, technology, equipment, and operations.
To better understand the potential benefit of dockless technology and the flexibility of new operating models, the City of Chicago conducted a pilot to prioritize and address Chicago-specific needs and concerns. This presentation will share data and key findings from Chicago's dockless bikeshare pilot and explore how these findings can be used to expand mobility options for Chicagoans moving forward.
Katherine Nickele, University of Illinois Chicago
presentation link
Bicycling as a form of active transportation offers numerous benefits. However, opportunities for participation in bicycling are often not equitable across neighborhoods. Literature regarding the evaluation of bicycling, race, and equity is growing, yet remains sparse.
Assessment tools geared toward addressing equity in bicycling opportunities are needed. The purpose of this project is to: (1) develop a tool to assess equity in bicycling opportunities at the neighborhood level and (2) pilot an observational street-level tool to assess the equity for bicycling from a cyclist perspective.
A total of 42 blocks were assessed, with an average of 10 blocks per community area. The lower-income communities had an average score of 25.9 while the higher-income communities had an average score of 33.8. Findings observed differences in accommodation, acceptability and awareness between community areas.
An online, collaborative mapping tool in addition to accompanying guidelines were created and translated into Spanish. Findings suggest there are less opportunities for bicycling in more vulnerable neighborhoods. Findings suggest that the tool could be promising to identify inequities across communities.
presentation link
Bicycling as a form of active transportation offers numerous benefits. However, opportunities for participation in bicycling are often not equitable across neighborhoods. Literature regarding the evaluation of bicycling, race, and equity is growing, yet remains sparse.
Assessment tools geared toward addressing equity in bicycling opportunities are needed. The purpose of this project is to: (1) develop a tool to assess equity in bicycling opportunities at the neighborhood level and (2) pilot an observational street-level tool to assess the equity for bicycling from a cyclist perspective.
A total of 42 blocks were assessed, with an average of 10 blocks per community area. The lower-income communities had an average score of 25.9 while the higher-income communities had an average score of 33.8. Findings observed differences in accommodation, acceptability and awareness between community areas.
An online, collaborative mapping tool in addition to accompanying guidelines were created and translated into Spanish. Findings suggest there are less opportunities for bicycling in more vulnerable neighborhoods. Findings suggest that the tool could be promising to identify inequities across communities.
E-Scooters in Chicago? Explorations into the Potential Costs, Benefits and Governance Challenges of Micro-Mobility
Christopher Smith, Chaddick Institute, DePaul University
presentation link
The character of urban transportation and mobility is dramatically changing in part because of the explosive growth of shared-use modes (SUM) of travel such as ridesourcing bikesharing, carsharing and, more recently, electronic (e-)scooter-sharing. Although these new forms of mobility are freeing riders from mode- and ownership-constrained choices of travel, they are also creating tremendous uncertainty among planners and policymakers who are struggling to both understand and manage their potential impacts.
Developing, adopting and enforcing regulations that aim to maximize transportation options while simultaneously ensuring public safety and the public good is proving to be a challenging task for municipal transportation planners given the rapid pace at which new systems of travel are evolving. This research builds on a recent study by the Chaddick Institute which examined the potential for public e-scooter sharing systems to fill mobility niches within and between Chicago neighborhoods.
The study explores not only how the availability of this micro-mode of transportation could influence travel time, cost, and the convenience of trips relative to other active and shared-use modes including walking, bicycling, bikeshare, and public transit but also the associated regulatory challenges and opportunities presented by these new forms of mobility. The report provides timely guidance to stakeholders about this rapidly evolving transportation sector and novel regulatory responses.
presentation link
The character of urban transportation and mobility is dramatically changing in part because of the explosive growth of shared-use modes (SUM) of travel such as ridesourcing bikesharing, carsharing and, more recently, electronic (e-)scooter-sharing. Although these new forms of mobility are freeing riders from mode- and ownership-constrained choices of travel, they are also creating tremendous uncertainty among planners and policymakers who are struggling to both understand and manage their potential impacts.
Developing, adopting and enforcing regulations that aim to maximize transportation options while simultaneously ensuring public safety and the public good is proving to be a challenging task for municipal transportation planners given the rapid pace at which new systems of travel are evolving. This research builds on a recent study by the Chaddick Institute which examined the potential for public e-scooter sharing systems to fill mobility niches within and between Chicago neighborhoods.
The study explores not only how the availability of this micro-mode of transportation could influence travel time, cost, and the convenience of trips relative to other active and shared-use modes including walking, bicycling, bikeshare, and public transit but also the associated regulatory challenges and opportunities presented by these new forms of mobility. The report provides timely guidance to stakeholders about this rapidly evolving transportation sector and novel regulatory responses.
Bus Operational Improvements: Case Studies and Analysis
Moderated by Baird Bream - Cambridge Systematics
#BetterBus (twitter)
This session will feature presentations on case studies examining operational improvements for bus routes and corridors in urban and suburban contexts. Operational improvements under discussion will include stop spacing analysis and consolidation for CTA bus routes; ridership analysis models for trips-on-project and travel patterns in Indianapolis’ upcoming BRT corridors; and, arterial rapid transit planning and modeling along Harlem Avenue in the Chicagoland western suburbs. A Q&A session will follow the three presentations.
Moderated by Baird Bream - Cambridge Systematics
#BetterBus (twitter)
This session will feature presentations on case studies examining operational improvements for bus routes and corridors in urban and suburban contexts. Operational improvements under discussion will include stop spacing analysis and consolidation for CTA bus routes; ridership analysis models for trips-on-project and travel patterns in Indianapolis’ upcoming BRT corridors; and, arterial rapid transit planning and modeling along Harlem Avenue in the Chicagoland western suburbs. A Q&A session will follow the three presentations.
Dimitris Nioras, Illinois Institute of Technology
presentation link
Bus stop spacing is a crucial element in providing balance between efficiency and coverage in a public transportation network. Having large distances between subsequent stops ensures shorter travel times and higher reliability. On the other hand, having small distances ensures satisfactory area coverage and access, given that the service area of a stop is defined by a walking distance threshold. Achieving such balance between efficiency and coverage can boost ridership, but is a challenge that requires the consideration of many factors and policies.
In the city of Chicago, the average stop spacing policy is 0.125 miles, or 8 stops per mile. This distance provides reasonable access to bus stops, but at the same time creates issues with high travel times and, in corridors with frequent service, bus bunching. CTA has been studying the possibility of increasing stop spacing; on Ashland Avenue, half of the stops were eliminated for route 9, while at the same time the express route X9 skips stops along the corridor. Chicago is a great candidate for a study of the effects of bus stop spacing in route travel time and ridership, because of the grid network and the variety in stop spacing along routes.
This presentation will show a study of parallel corridors in the city of Chicago, comparing the performance of various parallel routes relative to their stop spacing, in terms of travel time and ridership. A review will also be conducted on stop spacing patterns and coverage potential to complement the initial analysis.
presentation link
Bus stop spacing is a crucial element in providing balance between efficiency and coverage in a public transportation network. Having large distances between subsequent stops ensures shorter travel times and higher reliability. On the other hand, having small distances ensures satisfactory area coverage and access, given that the service area of a stop is defined by a walking distance threshold. Achieving such balance between efficiency and coverage can boost ridership, but is a challenge that requires the consideration of many factors and policies.
In the city of Chicago, the average stop spacing policy is 0.125 miles, or 8 stops per mile. This distance provides reasonable access to bus stops, but at the same time creates issues with high travel times and, in corridors with frequent service, bus bunching. CTA has been studying the possibility of increasing stop spacing; on Ashland Avenue, half of the stops were eliminated for route 9, while at the same time the express route X9 skips stops along the corridor. Chicago is a great candidate for a study of the effects of bus stop spacing in route travel time and ridership, because of the grid network and the variety in stop spacing along routes.
This presentation will show a study of parallel corridors in the city of Chicago, comparing the performance of various parallel routes relative to their stop spacing, in terms of travel time and ridership. A review will also be conducted on stop spacing patterns and coverage potential to complement the initial analysis.
FTA's Simplified Trips-on-Project Software (STOPS) Applications: The Indianapolis BRT Experience
Matt Stratton, WSP USA
The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Simplified Trips-on-Project Software (STOPS) is a software package that applies a set of travel models to forecast transit person trips, travel patterns, and trips-on-project metrics for FTA Capital Investment Grants evaluation. STOPS is the FTA’s preferred tool for estimating transit ridership, and successful STOPS applications are pivotal in winning transit investment. In this presentation, two STOPS applications, put forward by IndyGo, the transit agency for greater Indianapolis, will be discussed using the project background, purpose and need, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) alignment choices, political environment, and funding status.
Research Methods/Project Approach
In 2017-2018, STOPS was used to test two BRT projects in Indianapolis: the 14-mile Purple Line and the 24-mile Blue Line. GIS census files, an on-board transit survey, and GTFS transit data were inputs. A base and future year were established. The presentation will step listeners through the process of modeling the two BRT projects using STOPS.
Findings and Conclusions, focusing on lessons learned.
The IndyGo BRT effort, supported by STOPS transit modeling, is an ongoing success. IndyGo has attracted funding for the Purple Line at this writing; the Blue Line funding application is in place as of late 2018. Staff will present some of the STOPS project challenges such as obtaining reliable on-board transit survey data, handling special trip purposes, and dealing with model sensitivity and uncertainty.
The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Simplified Trips-on-Project Software (STOPS) is a software package that applies a set of travel models to forecast transit person trips, travel patterns, and trips-on-project metrics for FTA Capital Investment Grants evaluation. STOPS is the FTA’s preferred tool for estimating transit ridership, and successful STOPS applications are pivotal in winning transit investment. In this presentation, two STOPS applications, put forward by IndyGo, the transit agency for greater Indianapolis, will be discussed using the project background, purpose and need, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) alignment choices, political environment, and funding status.
Research Methods/Project Approach
In 2017-2018, STOPS was used to test two BRT projects in Indianapolis: the 14-mile Purple Line and the 24-mile Blue Line. GIS census files, an on-board transit survey, and GTFS transit data were inputs. A base and future year were established. The presentation will step listeners through the process of modeling the two BRT projects using STOPS.
Findings and Conclusions, focusing on lessons learned.
The IndyGo BRT effort, supported by STOPS transit modeling, is an ongoing success. IndyGo has attracted funding for the Purple Line at this writing; the Blue Line funding application is in place as of late 2018. Staff will present some of the STOPS project challenges such as obtaining reliable on-board transit survey data, handling special trip purposes, and dealing with model sensitivity and uncertainty.
Michael Groh, Sam Schwartz
presentation link
Creating a rapid transit network in Chicago’s suburbs is a bold vision that Pace Bus has been planning through its Pulse program. This presentation will focus on one of the near-term priority corridors that Pace is pursuing, Central Harlem Avenue, in Chicago’s western suburbs. The Central Harlem Avenue Corridor Study was a joint effort by Pace and the Regional Transportation Authority.
Participants will learn about an early stage in developing this corridor, entailing a corridor study and interim improvements. This work explored how eventual Pulse arterial rapid bus transit would function and what steps are needed to prepare the corridor for this. Specifically, it involved prioritizing candidate station locations, identifying strategies to enhance access to transit near those stations, and analyzing opportunities for more transit-supportive development and land use characteristics in station areas. This was done by a multidisciplinary team that analyzed transit ridership, travel demand, demographics, land uses, station siting and pedestrian conditions.
The presentation will also highlight special considerations based on Central Harlem Avenue’s suburban context. The ten-mile corridor crosses through fourteen different municipalities, so numerous stakeholder interviews were needed to coordinate with local officials. Many parts of the corridor also have challenging pedestrian conditions, so recommendations focused on improving pedestrian accessibility. The approaches from this study are relevant to various suburban transportation projects and public transit corridors.
presentation link
Creating a rapid transit network in Chicago’s suburbs is a bold vision that Pace Bus has been planning through its Pulse program. This presentation will focus on one of the near-term priority corridors that Pace is pursuing, Central Harlem Avenue, in Chicago’s western suburbs. The Central Harlem Avenue Corridor Study was a joint effort by Pace and the Regional Transportation Authority.
Participants will learn about an early stage in developing this corridor, entailing a corridor study and interim improvements. This work explored how eventual Pulse arterial rapid bus transit would function and what steps are needed to prepare the corridor for this. Specifically, it involved prioritizing candidate station locations, identifying strategies to enhance access to transit near those stations, and analyzing opportunities for more transit-supportive development and land use characteristics in station areas. This was done by a multidisciplinary team that analyzed transit ridership, travel demand, demographics, land uses, station siting and pedestrian conditions.
The presentation will also highlight special considerations based on Central Harlem Avenue’s suburban context. The ten-mile corridor crosses through fourteen different municipalities, so numerous stakeholder interviews were needed to coordinate with local officials. Many parts of the corridor also have challenging pedestrian conditions, so recommendations focused on improving pedestrian accessibility. The approaches from this study are relevant to various suburban transportation projects and public transit corridors.
Public Outreach
Moderated by Jason Wald, Pace Suburban Bus
#TalkItOut (twitter)
Public outreach has often been treated as simply another box to check in the planning and design stage of many transportation and infrastructure projects. How, then, can agencies and consultants work to better engage and work with the communities they are planning in; better yet, how do the communities themselves become advocates and owners of these crucial projects?
In three presentations, speakers will cover the community outreach process used by CDOT, IDOT and Active Trans for some of their highest profile infrastructure projects—the Milwaukee Ave. Redesign through Logan Square, the Jane Byrne Interchange and Bike/Walk Plans throughout the Chicagoland suburbs.
Moderated by Jason Wald, Pace Suburban Bus
#TalkItOut (twitter)
Public outreach has often been treated as simply another box to check in the planning and design stage of many transportation and infrastructure projects. How, then, can agencies and consultants work to better engage and work with the communities they are planning in; better yet, how do the communities themselves become advocates and owners of these crucial projects?
In three presentations, speakers will cover the community outreach process used by CDOT, IDOT and Active Trans for some of their highest profile infrastructure projects—the Milwaukee Ave. Redesign through Logan Square, the Jane Byrne Interchange and Bike/Walk Plans throughout the Chicagoland suburbs.
Craig Jakobsen, Jacobs
presentation link
How do we implement community input into our projects? Does data rule or do users know more of the story? This presentation will examine the efforts of CDOT and their consultant team to reimagine Logan Square considering both resident feedback and our own "big data" analysis.
In 2012, a group of Logan Square neighborhood residents created their “Bicentennial Improvements Plan” which reimagined the design of the streets surrounding the Square. The design included closing Milwaukee Avenue through the Square to create a single park space and realigning Kedzie to create a new public plaza. The primary desires for the community were more green space, better pedestrian crossings, and simpler traffic patterns.
When the CDOT project team began designing concepts for their Logan Square reconstruction project we collected origin-destination data from mobile devices from the data analytics firm Streetlight. This O-D data gave us an overarching view of the project to compliment the close-up view the residents gave us. When developing our design concepts, we created one concept that mirrored the community plan, one that catered directly to the data findings, and one "compromise" alternative which drew inspiration from the community design and the data design.
All concepts improved pedestrian space, added bike facilities, and increased green space, but each made substantial changes to traffic paths. This presentation will go into more detail about how these concepts were developed and what the ultimate recommended design was for this transformative Chicago project.
presentation link
How do we implement community input into our projects? Does data rule or do users know more of the story? This presentation will examine the efforts of CDOT and their consultant team to reimagine Logan Square considering both resident feedback and our own "big data" analysis.
In 2012, a group of Logan Square neighborhood residents created their “Bicentennial Improvements Plan” which reimagined the design of the streets surrounding the Square. The design included closing Milwaukee Avenue through the Square to create a single park space and realigning Kedzie to create a new public plaza. The primary desires for the community were more green space, better pedestrian crossings, and simpler traffic patterns.
When the CDOT project team began designing concepts for their Logan Square reconstruction project we collected origin-destination data from mobile devices from the data analytics firm Streetlight. This O-D data gave us an overarching view of the project to compliment the close-up view the residents gave us. When developing our design concepts, we created one concept that mirrored the community plan, one that catered directly to the data findings, and one "compromise" alternative which drew inspiration from the community design and the data design.
All concepts improved pedestrian space, added bike facilities, and increased green space, but each made substantial changes to traffic paths. This presentation will go into more detail about how these concepts were developed and what the ultimate recommended design was for this transformative Chicago project.
Transforming Suburban Communities Through Planning, Policy, Advocacy
Jessica Hyink, City of Evanston
presentation link
The City of Evanston will discuss how public outreach, or a lack thereof, can affect post-construction perceptions of a complete streets project. The planning efforts of a dedicated bike lane on Dodge Avenue will be contrasted with those of a cycle track on Sheridan Road and Chicago Avenue. Both projects aimed to improve bicycle safety on corridors with relatively heavy use by pedestrians, buses, and vehicular traffic in a suburban context.
Learn why one project has received praise while the other continues to receive public criticism post-construction, how Evanston has used data to manage perceptions, and how limited public outreach can impact future planning efforts.
presentation link
The City of Evanston will discuss how public outreach, or a lack thereof, can affect post-construction perceptions of a complete streets project. The planning efforts of a dedicated bike lane on Dodge Avenue will be contrasted with those of a cycle track on Sheridan Road and Chicago Avenue. Both projects aimed to improve bicycle safety on corridors with relatively heavy use by pedestrians, buses, and vehicular traffic in a suburban context.
Learn why one project has received praise while the other continues to receive public criticism post-construction, how Evanston has used data to manage perceptions, and how limited public outreach can impact future planning efforts.
Jane Byrne Interchange Outreach Reboot
Scott Presslak, Illinois Department of Transportation
presentation link
The Jane Byrne Interchange carries over 400,000 vehicles a day through the heart of Chicago, far more than its initial design capacity. With many ramps and bridges at the end of their useful lifespan, since 2013 IDOT has been working to reconstruct the interchange while minimizing traffic impacts to motorists and freight traffic on the expressways and minimizing impacts for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and other travelers on the surface streets above the interchange.
As the project continues into its seventh year of construction, IDOT is redoubling efforts to keep local residents and the motoring public informed on the project’s progress, including new public meetings, better internal coordination, a revamped public website, dedicated social media channels, and more.
presentation link
The Jane Byrne Interchange carries over 400,000 vehicles a day through the heart of Chicago, far more than its initial design capacity. With many ramps and bridges at the end of their useful lifespan, since 2013 IDOT has been working to reconstruct the interchange while minimizing traffic impacts to motorists and freight traffic on the expressways and minimizing impacts for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and other travelers on the surface streets above the interchange.
As the project continues into its seventh year of construction, IDOT is redoubling efforts to keep local residents and the motoring public informed on the project’s progress, including new public meetings, better internal coordination, a revamped public website, dedicated social media channels, and more.
Data Driven
Moderated by Edward Bury - Urban Transportation Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago
#DataDriven (twitter)
Data may be abundant in transportation, but to unlock its full potential requires strategic analysis. This session will feature transportation data experts from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, and Pace Suburban Bus who are analyzing questions about the Chicago region.
Presenters measure first/last mile transit access conditions, model new expanded transportation networks, and use an algorithm to address missing transit data. Attendees will learn about techniques for studying important transportation issues.
Moderated by Edward Bury - Urban Transportation Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago
#DataDriven (twitter)
Data may be abundant in transportation, but to unlock its full potential requires strategic analysis. This session will feature transportation data experts from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, and Pace Suburban Bus who are analyzing questions about the Chicago region.
Presenters measure first/last mile transit access conditions, model new expanded transportation networks, and use an algorithm to address missing transit data. Attendees will learn about techniques for studying important transportation issues.
Multidimensional Assessment of First and Last Mile Problems: A Case Study using the Chicago Metropolitan Area
Nebiyou Tilahun, University of Illinois at Chicago
presentation link
The first/last mile problem refers to issues of bridging the separation between activity locations and transit stations. These issues include factors such as sidewalk connectivity, travel/walk time and other safety and perceptual factors about the built environment. In this study we develop small area first/last mile measures for metropolitan Chicago.
The analysis aims to provide readily available measures that planners can use to prioritize problem areas and intervene to improve last mile conditions. The presentation builds on our previous work which demonstrated the multidimensional nature of the last problem from the perspective of travelers and showed the existence of significant benefits (in the form of willingness-to-pay) that can be had from improvements to last mile conditions.
In this latest work, we move forward this multidimensional recognition to create local measures that combine survey-based weights with measures extracted from the transit system, the built environment and census data. As part of this work block group to block group transit travel times were computed for the region.
The travel time and distance components for the first and last mile components were then extracted. Measures of built environment and social deprivation were also developed using census and regional data files. These are then combined to develop indices of first/last mile problems that can be filtered based on destinations of interest (e.g. all destinations, to the loop, or a specific job corridor).
The presentation will cover both the methodology for developing the last mile measures and a use case for application.
presentation link
The first/last mile problem refers to issues of bridging the separation between activity locations and transit stations. These issues include factors such as sidewalk connectivity, travel/walk time and other safety and perceptual factors about the built environment. In this study we develop small area first/last mile measures for metropolitan Chicago.
The analysis aims to provide readily available measures that planners can use to prioritize problem areas and intervene to improve last mile conditions. The presentation builds on our previous work which demonstrated the multidimensional nature of the last problem from the perspective of travelers and showed the existence of significant benefits (in the form of willingness-to-pay) that can be had from improvements to last mile conditions.
In this latest work, we move forward this multidimensional recognition to create local measures that combine survey-based weights with measures extracted from the transit system, the built environment and census data. As part of this work block group to block group transit travel times were computed for the region.
The travel time and distance components for the first and last mile components were then extracted. Measures of built environment and social deprivation were also developed using census and regional data files. These are then combined to develop indices of first/last mile problems that can be filtered based on destinations of interest (e.g. all destinations, to the loop, or a specific job corridor).
The presentation will cover both the methodology for developing the last mile measures and a use case for application.
Improving Ventra Data Quality at Pace: An Advanced Data Science Mode
James Wilson, Pace Suburban Bus
Moyin Li, Pace Suburban Bus
presentation link
Transit agencies collect and use large dataset for daily decision making. However, no data is perfect. A challenge for Pace is to assign smartcard (Ventra) ridership to the correct route for analytics and performance management. The volume of the incorrect and missing data requires many days each month by analysts using industry specific knowledge and multiple data sources.
This project uses Python to develop an advanced ridership model to automate the existing logical decisions, validate spatial-temporal information of known routes, and impute missing route information using machine learning through big data algorithms.
In addition, the model automates previously manual input processes with code to significantly improve data quality and reduce working hours. The implementation of the model delivers more accurate ridership data in a fraction of the time, giving analysts more time to deal with frequent requests and investigate interesting trends in the data.
The methodology used is effective in combining multiple data sources for missing data imputation and reducing processing time when working with big datasets.
Moyin Li, Pace Suburban Bus
presentation link
Transit agencies collect and use large dataset for daily decision making. However, no data is perfect. A challenge for Pace is to assign smartcard (Ventra) ridership to the correct route for analytics and performance management. The volume of the incorrect and missing data requires many days each month by analysts using industry specific knowledge and multiple data sources.
This project uses Python to develop an advanced ridership model to automate the existing logical decisions, validate spatial-temporal information of known routes, and impute missing route information using machine learning through big data algorithms.
In addition, the model automates previously manual input processes with code to significantly improve data quality and reduce working hours. The implementation of the model delivers more accurate ridership data in a fraction of the time, giving analysts more time to deal with frequent requests and investigate interesting trends in the data.
The methodology used is effective in combining multiple data sources for missing data imputation and reducing processing time when working with big datasets.
Modeling Transit Capacit
Martin Menninger, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
presentation link
CMAP, the planning agency for Northeastern Illinois, has a target of doubling regional transit ridership by 2050. Past modeling efforts have investigated the land use and other policy changes required to reach this ridership target. However, it is clear that today’s infrastructure would be severely strained under such conditions, given existing capacity constraints.
Many of the largest transit projects in the region, such as Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) and the 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project (CIP) seek to address these constraints. CMAP is using the agency’s activity based model (ABM) to analyze how capacity constraints, changing user experience, and shifting mode choice could impact future ridership. Modeled scenarios include existing levels calibrated by time of day and future levels resulting from regional demographic changes, new transportation networks and the alleviation of targeted capacity constraints.
CMAP will share modeling techniques and initial ABM capacity modeling results. These results will be used to help CMAP understanding future constraints. This will guide CMAP and its partners to prioritize current public investment and plan for future transit service that meets the needs of the region.
presentation link
CMAP, the planning agency for Northeastern Illinois, has a target of doubling regional transit ridership by 2050. Past modeling efforts have investigated the land use and other policy changes required to reach this ridership target. However, it is clear that today’s infrastructure would be severely strained under such conditions, given existing capacity constraints.
Many of the largest transit projects in the region, such as Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) and the 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project (CIP) seek to address these constraints. CMAP is using the agency’s activity based model (ABM) to analyze how capacity constraints, changing user experience, and shifting mode choice could impact future ridership. Modeled scenarios include existing levels calibrated by time of day and future levels resulting from regional demographic changes, new transportation networks and the alleviation of targeted capacity constraints.
CMAP will share modeling techniques and initial ABM capacity modeling results. These results will be used to help CMAP understanding future constraints. This will guide CMAP and its partners to prioritize current public investment and plan for future transit service that meets the needs of the region.
SESSION 2
The Mobility Revolution | Wolf Point Reception
Moderated by Adriana Hemzacek, Cubic
#MaaS (twitter)
You’ve heard the term Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), but do you really know what it means for future of the transportation industry? Go ahead, admit it, mobility is on your mind. The excitement and energy for MaaS is beyond the norm. MaaS isn’t just a nice concept anymore – it’s an international reality changing the way people think about mobility within the urban environment. It is not about how we transfer people from their cars to public transport, but more about a user-centric view that allows the better planning and management of all modes of transport.
A journey is no longer from A to B via a single mode but can be considered as multiple single trips combined into one easy, pain-free journey. In this session, we’ll define the sharing economy, access economy, on-demand economy – terms used interchangeably, though not always fully understood. We’ll dive into the recent socio-economic shift that reinvented how and what we consume. And if that didn’t hook you, how about we face reality and really hone in on the elephant in the room - a world where usage trumps possession, access rather than ownership is king and where consumers’ immediate needs can be satisfied with the tap of an app.
Panelists:
David Leopold, City Tech Collaborative
David Katcher, Lyft
Boris Karsch, Cubic Transportation Systems
Adam Hecktman, Microsoft
Douglas Pancoast, Bosch
Presentation slides
Moderated by Adriana Hemzacek, Cubic
#MaaS (twitter)
You’ve heard the term Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), but do you really know what it means for future of the transportation industry? Go ahead, admit it, mobility is on your mind. The excitement and energy for MaaS is beyond the norm. MaaS isn’t just a nice concept anymore – it’s an international reality changing the way people think about mobility within the urban environment. It is not about how we transfer people from their cars to public transport, but more about a user-centric view that allows the better planning and management of all modes of transport.
A journey is no longer from A to B via a single mode but can be considered as multiple single trips combined into one easy, pain-free journey. In this session, we’ll define the sharing economy, access economy, on-demand economy – terms used interchangeably, though not always fully understood. We’ll dive into the recent socio-economic shift that reinvented how and what we consume. And if that didn’t hook you, how about we face reality and really hone in on the elephant in the room - a world where usage trumps possession, access rather than ownership is king and where consumers’ immediate needs can be satisfied with the tap of an app.
Panelists:
David Leopold, City Tech Collaborative
David Katcher, Lyft
Boris Karsch, Cubic Transportation Systems
Adam Hecktman, Microsoft
Douglas Pancoast, Bosch
Presentation slides
Back on the Bus: A campaign for Transit Priority Streets
Moderated by Maggie Melin - Active Transportation Alliance
#BackOnTheBus (twitter)
TransitCenter’s 2019 Who's On Board report found that Chicago is one of few cities where transit riders are shifting more transit trips to ride-hailing trips than to private cars. Active Transportation Alliance’s Back on the Bus Campaign is working to reverse the trend of declining bus ridership by advocating for bus priority streets.
This session will cover Chicago’s Bus Friendly Streets Report Cards analyzing speed and reliability data, policy solutions to get Chicagoans back on the bus, and creative advocacy and outreach strategies based on diverse local community experiences.
Panelists:
Mary Buchanan, TransitCenter
Julia Gerasimenko, Active Transportation Alliance
Jessica Vazquez, Six Corners Association
Julio Rodriguez, Northwest Side Housing Center
Presentation Slides
Moderated by Maggie Melin - Active Transportation Alliance
#BackOnTheBus (twitter)
TransitCenter’s 2019 Who's On Board report found that Chicago is one of few cities where transit riders are shifting more transit trips to ride-hailing trips than to private cars. Active Transportation Alliance’s Back on the Bus Campaign is working to reverse the trend of declining bus ridership by advocating for bus priority streets.
This session will cover Chicago’s Bus Friendly Streets Report Cards analyzing speed and reliability data, policy solutions to get Chicagoans back on the bus, and creative advocacy and outreach strategies based on diverse local community experiences.
Panelists:
Mary Buchanan, TransitCenter
Julia Gerasimenko, Active Transportation Alliance
Jessica Vazquez, Six Corners Association
Julio Rodriguez, Northwest Side Housing Center
Presentation Slides
Pedestrian Safety/Vision Zero | Merchants Hotel
Moderated by Joe Olson, STV
#WalkSafe (twitter)
Over the past decade pedestrian fatalities nationwide have steadily risen in contrast to decreasing numbers of all other traffic deaths. The Governors Highway Safety Association estimates the approximately 6,200 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide in 2018. In Chicago, an estimated 46 pedestrian were killed in 2017 according to the Chicago Department of Transportation.
In this session, we will hear from researchers and transportation consultants review of current public policy addressing pedestrian safety in urban areas, field research analyzing pedestrian-motorist collisions on arterial roadways will be presented and tools for planners and engineers to achieve equitable Vision Zero goals will be discussed.
Moderated by Joe Olson, STV
#WalkSafe (twitter)
Over the past decade pedestrian fatalities nationwide have steadily risen in contrast to decreasing numbers of all other traffic deaths. The Governors Highway Safety Association estimates the approximately 6,200 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide in 2018. In Chicago, an estimated 46 pedestrian were killed in 2017 according to the Chicago Department of Transportation.
In this session, we will hear from researchers and transportation consultants review of current public policy addressing pedestrian safety in urban areas, field research analyzing pedestrian-motorist collisions on arterial roadways will be presented and tools for planners and engineers to achieve equitable Vision Zero goals will be discussed.
Siddharth A Shah, Sam Schwartz
presentation link
Too many people are dying on the streets of America as they attempt to go from place to another as part of their daily routines. Cities are recognizing the impacts of designing transportation systems that prioritize automobiles over other forms of mobility. One of the greatest impacts is the risk that automobiles and automobile infrastructure pose to pedestrians, bicyclists, and users of other mobility devices.
The presentation will elaborate on how people using modes of active transportation such as walking & biking are most vulnerable on the streets of Chicago. Through crash data analysis, the presentation will throw light on how the issue of traffic violence has a more severe impact on the traditionally disadvantaged communities.
The presenter shall introduce the audience to the concept of Vision Zero and will discuss the toolbox used to achieve the goal of Vision Zero equitably. For anyone working on making our streets function better, this presentation will forefront the issue of safety of vulnerable road users and provide practitioners with data to better guide and communicate their work.
presentation link
Too many people are dying on the streets of America as they attempt to go from place to another as part of their daily routines. Cities are recognizing the impacts of designing transportation systems that prioritize automobiles over other forms of mobility. One of the greatest impacts is the risk that automobiles and automobile infrastructure pose to pedestrians, bicyclists, and users of other mobility devices.
The presentation will elaborate on how people using modes of active transportation such as walking & biking are most vulnerable on the streets of Chicago. Through crash data analysis, the presentation will throw light on how the issue of traffic violence has a more severe impact on the traditionally disadvantaged communities.
The presenter shall introduce the audience to the concept of Vision Zero and will discuss the toolbox used to achieve the goal of Vision Zero equitably. For anyone working on making our streets function better, this presentation will forefront the issue of safety of vulnerable road users and provide practitioners with data to better guide and communicate their work.
Jamie Osborne, Sam Schwartz
presentation link
At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. Recently this practice has grown increasingly risky. Per the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA), between 2008 and 2017, pedestrian fatalities have increased significantly (35%). At the same time the combined number of all other traffic deaths has declined (6%). Thus, the likelihood of a pedestrian dying when they are involved in an automobile crash (pedestrian deaths as a percentage of total motor vehicle crash deaths) has also increased.
Moving automobiles through cities at high speeds have long been the priority of transportation planners and engineers. However, the increase happens in a sea change of safety awareness campaigns, complete street designs, and enhanced valuing of walkability.
Are decision-makers, planners, and engineers just not getting the message of changing priorities? Is there too much public resistance to modifying ROWs to safely accommodate all users? Does the uptick simply indicate more people engaging in active transportation?
This presentation explores these questions by reviewing public policy and programs related to pedestrian safety. It will interpret data related to pedestrian safety efforts (such as crash statistics, enforcement intensity, camera-based violations, etc.), and position City, State, and National efforts to improve safety and respond to risk within the national dialogue on safe streets.
Participants will learn how planners are faring in addressing the public health crisis of traffic violence. Participants will learn important lessons of safe street design, public perception, and context sensitive awareness building that they can apply in their own communities.
presentation link
At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. Recently this practice has grown increasingly risky. Per the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA), between 2008 and 2017, pedestrian fatalities have increased significantly (35%). At the same time the combined number of all other traffic deaths has declined (6%). Thus, the likelihood of a pedestrian dying when they are involved in an automobile crash (pedestrian deaths as a percentage of total motor vehicle crash deaths) has also increased.
Moving automobiles through cities at high speeds have long been the priority of transportation planners and engineers. However, the increase happens in a sea change of safety awareness campaigns, complete street designs, and enhanced valuing of walkability.
Are decision-makers, planners, and engineers just not getting the message of changing priorities? Is there too much public resistance to modifying ROWs to safely accommodate all users? Does the uptick simply indicate more people engaging in active transportation?
This presentation explores these questions by reviewing public policy and programs related to pedestrian safety. It will interpret data related to pedestrian safety efforts (such as crash statistics, enforcement intensity, camera-based violations, etc.), and position City, State, and National efforts to improve safety and respond to risk within the national dialogue on safe streets.
Participants will learn how planners are faring in addressing the public health crisis of traffic violence. Participants will learn important lessons of safe street design, public perception, and context sensitive awareness building that they can apply in their own communities.
Walkable Rockford: Exploratory Research of Pedestrian Collisions in Rockford, Illinois
Michael B. Smith, Graduate, University of Illinois Chicago
Pedestrian safety remains a persistent problem throughout the United States, with nearly 6,000 pedestrians killed in vehicle collisions in 2017. Many municipalities are faced with existing conditions that undermine attempts to improve pedestrian safety, including an automobile-oriented development pattern, high-speed vehicle arterials, and incomplete pedestrian infrastructure.
How do pedestrians navigate the built environment in the presence of unsafe roadways? And how can professionals and advocates alike better understand pedestrian activity so as to improve safety outcomes for pedestrians? Walkable Rockford details an exploratory study on pedestrian activity in Rockford, Illinois, a municipality of 147,000 persons that is located 90 miles west of Chicago.
The report aims to:
• Better understand pedestrian collisions by performing a geospatial analysis of pedestrian collisions from previous years within various roadway classifications; and
• Identify, collect, and analyze empirical findings on pedestrian mobility along State Street using time-lapse cameras.
The findings show 81% of pedestrian collisions from 2007-2016 occurred on principal arterial roadways. A methodology with nineteen variables related to site information, demographic information, and pedestrian behavior was developed to understand pedestrian and motorist behavior on three sections of State Street with a high concentration of collisions.
The majority of pedestrians exhibited typical crossing behavior associated with safe crossing activity. Conflicts between pedestrians and motorists emerged during both intersection crossings and mid-block crossings. Although pedestrians and motorists responded in such a way as to avoid conflict, additional research may find that elements within these conflicts are present in pedestrian collisions."
Pedestrian safety remains a persistent problem throughout the United States, with nearly 6,000 pedestrians killed in vehicle collisions in 2017. Many municipalities are faced with existing conditions that undermine attempts to improve pedestrian safety, including an automobile-oriented development pattern, high-speed vehicle arterials, and incomplete pedestrian infrastructure.
How do pedestrians navigate the built environment in the presence of unsafe roadways? And how can professionals and advocates alike better understand pedestrian activity so as to improve safety outcomes for pedestrians? Walkable Rockford details an exploratory study on pedestrian activity in Rockford, Illinois, a municipality of 147,000 persons that is located 90 miles west of Chicago.
The report aims to:
• Better understand pedestrian collisions by performing a geospatial analysis of pedestrian collisions from previous years within various roadway classifications; and
• Identify, collect, and analyze empirical findings on pedestrian mobility along State Street using time-lapse cameras.
The findings show 81% of pedestrian collisions from 2007-2016 occurred on principal arterial roadways. A methodology with nineteen variables related to site information, demographic information, and pedestrian behavior was developed to understand pedestrian and motorist behavior on three sections of State Street with a high concentration of collisions.
The majority of pedestrians exhibited typical crossing behavior associated with safe crossing activity. Conflicts between pedestrians and motorists emerged during both intersection crossings and mid-block crossings. Although pedestrians and motorists responded in such a way as to avoid conflict, additional research may find that elements within these conflicts are present in pedestrian collisions."
Go Fund Transportation | Steamboat Hotel
Moderated by Andy Keller, Chicago Transit Authority
#TransportationFunding (twitter)
As transportation transforms over time, a similar transformation needs to occur for transportation funding and roadway usage. The Go Fund Transportation panel will examine alternative sources of revenue and their impacts.
What’s the potential of these new revenue sources? How can they be implemented? How will they impact rural vs. urban users? How will it impact users in northeastern Illinois? Go Fund Transportation will answer these questions and more.
Moderated by Andy Keller, Chicago Transit Authority
#TransportationFunding (twitter)
As transportation transforms over time, a similar transformation needs to occur for transportation funding and roadway usage. The Go Fund Transportation panel will examine alternative sources of revenue and their impacts.
What’s the potential of these new revenue sources? How can they be implemented? How will they impact rural vs. urban users? How will it impact users in northeastern Illinois? Go Fund Transportation will answer these questions and more.
Urban vs. Rural Implications of User-Fee Alternatives to the Gas Tax
Justine Sydello, CDM Smith
presentation link
While motor fuel taxes are one of the primary ways most states and the federal government fund transportation infrastructure improvements, they are an unsustainable revenue source for the long-term due to raising fuel efficiency of vehicles and the growing popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles.
Considering whatever capital bill may or may not pass by the end of the Illinois General Assembly spring session (end of May, prior to Transport Chicago), it is unlikely any funding package will address the long-term, sustainable revenues needed for infrastructure investment. Two user fees likely to fund transportation in the future are tolls and mileage-based taxes.
Not always popular, there are many misconceptions on the disproportionate impacts these user fees would have on rural vs. urban drivers. This presentation will explore both types of user fees from an urban vs. rural perspective, addressing the various policy considerations that can be applied based on geography to address equity issues or other priorities, such as congestion mitigation. For example, tolls or mileage-based tax rates can be adjusted to manage congestion in urban areas, or rates could be lower in rural areas.
The presentation will include Illinois-specific scenarios using CDM Smith’s Interstate Tolling Model, and it will also share takeaways from a study conducted in western states exploring, and disputing, common conceptions about rural vs. suburban vs. urban VMT patterns.
presentation link
While motor fuel taxes are one of the primary ways most states and the federal government fund transportation infrastructure improvements, they are an unsustainable revenue source for the long-term due to raising fuel efficiency of vehicles and the growing popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles.
Considering whatever capital bill may or may not pass by the end of the Illinois General Assembly spring session (end of May, prior to Transport Chicago), it is unlikely any funding package will address the long-term, sustainable revenues needed for infrastructure investment. Two user fees likely to fund transportation in the future are tolls and mileage-based taxes.
Not always popular, there are many misconceptions on the disproportionate impacts these user fees would have on rural vs. urban drivers. This presentation will explore both types of user fees from an urban vs. rural perspective, addressing the various policy considerations that can be applied based on geography to address equity issues or other priorities, such as congestion mitigation. For example, tolls or mileage-based tax rates can be adjusted to manage congestion in urban areas, or rates could be lower in rural areas.
The presentation will include Illinois-specific scenarios using CDM Smith’s Interstate Tolling Model, and it will also share takeaways from a study conducted in western states exploring, and disputing, common conceptions about rural vs. suburban vs. urban VMT patterns.
BENEFITS AND IMPACTS OF MODERNIZING TRANSPORTATION REVENUE COLLECTION WITH A ROAD USAGE CHARGE
Lindsay Hollander, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
presentation link
The transportation system in northeastern Illinois has historically been and continues to be a strategic advantage for the region. This system is essential to our economic competitiveness and quality of life, yet is costly to maintain and operate: billions of federal, state, and local dollars are spent on transportation annually.
Systemic shifts are leading to stagnant transportation revenues, making current revenue sources inadequate for maintaining and operating the system. For example, increased fuel efficiency is reducing state motor fuel tax revenues. As a result, revenue from the state MFT is forecasted to decline, affecting funding for both state and local roadways.
To solve this funding challenge, northeastern Illinois’ long-range comprehensive plan, ON TO 2050, recommends that the MFT eventually be replaced with a road usage charge, sometimes called a vehicle miles traveled fee.
The plan proposes that Illinois follow the lead of numerous states that have already implemented road usage charge pilot programs. This presentation will explore the benefits of testing and transitioning to a road usage charge and provide analysis examining the impact on typical households and drivers in northeastern Illinois.
presentation link
The transportation system in northeastern Illinois has historically been and continues to be a strategic advantage for the region. This system is essential to our economic competitiveness and quality of life, yet is costly to maintain and operate: billions of federal, state, and local dollars are spent on transportation annually.
Systemic shifts are leading to stagnant transportation revenues, making current revenue sources inadequate for maintaining and operating the system. For example, increased fuel efficiency is reducing state motor fuel tax revenues. As a result, revenue from the state MFT is forecasted to decline, affecting funding for both state and local roadways.
To solve this funding challenge, northeastern Illinois’ long-range comprehensive plan, ON TO 2050, recommends that the MFT eventually be replaced with a road usage charge, sometimes called a vehicle miles traveled fee.
The plan proposes that Illinois follow the lead of numerous states that have already implemented road usage charge pilot programs. This presentation will explore the benefits of testing and transitioning to a road usage charge and provide analysis examining the impact on typical households and drivers in northeastern Illinois.
Collaboration Between Tolling and Transit
Terri Slack, CDM Smith
presentation link
American cities have been experiencing mounting stress on their transportation systems due to increased travel demands without comparable growth in revenue to pay for the costs of meeting public needs.
In response, states and cities have begun adopting sustainable mobility plans with objectives including public transportation options that enable access to key destinations and services while improving efficiencies and cost-effectiveness of the transportation of people and goods.
An increasingly common tool used to meet this objective is leveraging the potential synergies between tolling and transit on managed lanes facilities. In metropolitan Chicago, e.g, IDOT is considering building managed lanes on I-55 and I-290, both of which could accommodate Bus-on-Shoulder service.
This presentation will explore how the State of Washington and the cities of Los Angeles and Atlanta are meeting transportation needs and addressing urban mobility issues through the use of managed lane tolled facilities to both address congestion and provide a faster and more reliable transit commute, as well as how they could apply to managed lanes facilities in northeastern Illinois.
presentation link
American cities have been experiencing mounting stress on their transportation systems due to increased travel demands without comparable growth in revenue to pay for the costs of meeting public needs.
In response, states and cities have begun adopting sustainable mobility plans with objectives including public transportation options that enable access to key destinations and services while improving efficiencies and cost-effectiveness of the transportation of people and goods.
An increasingly common tool used to meet this objective is leveraging the potential synergies between tolling and transit on managed lanes facilities. In metropolitan Chicago, e.g, IDOT is considering building managed lanes on I-55 and I-290, both of which could accommodate Bus-on-Shoulder service.
This presentation will explore how the State of Washington and the cities of Los Angeles and Atlanta are meeting transportation needs and addressing urban mobility issues through the use of managed lane tolled facilities to both address congestion and provide a faster and more reliable transit commute, as well as how they could apply to managed lanes facilities in northeastern Illinois.
LUNCH AND SPONSOR ACKOWLEDGEMENTS
LUNCH KEYNOTE
Amy Conrick
Amy Conrick will be the lunch keynote speaker. She is an assistant director at the Community Transportation Association of America where she works on community support and business development. Learn More
Amy Conrick will be the lunch keynote speaker. She is an assistant director at the Community Transportation Association of America where she works on community support and business development. Learn More
POSTER SESSION
A Parking Plan for Chinatown
Emily Daucher, University of Illinois at Chicago
Chinatown is a Chicago neighborhood that is one of the only growing Chinatown neighborhoods in the nation and because of this, serves as a cultural destination for those in the area and across the country. These visitors, despite the wealth of alternative transportation options located in and around the neighborhood, opt to drive. This situation has highlighted a core problem for the dense neighborhood- parking mismanagement.
In this paper, a spatial analysis using ArcMap looks at curb and lot data collected from June-October 2018 to show three main problems with Chinatown’s parking situation: underused parking lots, an uneven distribution of existing parking types, and pricing issues.
Chinatown is a Chicago neighborhood that is one of the only growing Chinatown neighborhoods in the nation and because of this, serves as a cultural destination for those in the area and across the country. These visitors, despite the wealth of alternative transportation options located in and around the neighborhood, opt to drive. This situation has highlighted a core problem for the dense neighborhood- parking mismanagement.
In this paper, a spatial analysis using ArcMap looks at curb and lot data collected from June-October 2018 to show three main problems with Chinatown’s parking situation: underused parking lots, an uneven distribution of existing parking types, and pricing issues.
CHARACTERIZING THE GLOBAL STATE OF INFLIGHT WI-FI
Robert Belson, Northwestern University
In the wake of exciting changes to the telecommunications landscape today, inflight connectivity services (IFC) have fallen behind. Often featuring latencies 20x higher than those of traditional metropolitan 4G LTE connections, IFC simply cannot keep up with rising network demands. For a flight from O’Hare International Airport to San Francisco, consumers can expect to pay almost half of their monthly wireless bill in just 4 hours. Moreover, IFC consumers have no methodical way to understand the quality of experience (QoE) they are paying for prior to their purchase.
In the wake of exciting changes to the telecommunications landscape today, inflight connectivity services (IFC) have fallen behind. Often featuring latencies 20x higher than those of traditional metropolitan 4G LTE connections, IFC simply cannot keep up with rising network demands. For a flight from O’Hare International Airport to San Francisco, consumers can expect to pay almost half of their monthly wireless bill in just 4 hours. Moreover, IFC consumers have no methodical way to understand the quality of experience (QoE) they are paying for prior to their purchase.
Designing Streets for People in Autonomous Futures
Nilay Mistry, Illinois Institute of Technology, College of Architecture
This poster presentation will summarize the interdisciplinary design research work performed by graduate landscape architecture students and robotics researchers. Using Chicago’s State Street as a test site, this team has utilized LIDAR scanning and GPS signal mapping to illustrate challenges in autonomous vehicle self-localizing within real-world urban conditions. Physical components of the street, such as trees, light poles, and benches can be reconsidered to enhance navigation demands of autonomous vehicle while creating new contributions to civic life.
This project seeks to maintain a priority on people in the discussion of autonomous vehicles and the recalibration of our highways, intersections, roads, and sidewalks for new forms of urban movement. Through multiple scenario-based planning exercises and experiments with LIDAR scanning tools, design students have prototyped several urban futures and resultant spaces
This poster presentation will summarize the interdisciplinary design research work performed by graduate landscape architecture students and robotics researchers. Using Chicago’s State Street as a test site, this team has utilized LIDAR scanning and GPS signal mapping to illustrate challenges in autonomous vehicle self-localizing within real-world urban conditions. Physical components of the street, such as trees, light poles, and benches can be reconsidered to enhance navigation demands of autonomous vehicle while creating new contributions to civic life.
This project seeks to maintain a priority on people in the discussion of autonomous vehicles and the recalibration of our highways, intersections, roads, and sidewalks for new forms of urban movement. Through multiple scenario-based planning exercises and experiments with LIDAR scanning tools, design students have prototyped several urban futures and resultant spaces
Secondary Crash Analysis: Illinois Tollway
Krishna Akkaram, TranSmart/EJM
The Illinois Tollway’s Traffic Incident Management System (TIMS) provides an exemplary operational monitoring system. Accordingly, many performance measures are maintained. In recent years, the Tollways performance measure program expanded to include the analysis of Secondary Crashes: crashes that occur as a result of a proceeding crash or incident. This requires a more complicated methodology than typical traffic performance measures. To search for secondary crashes, three methods are used.
The Illinois Tollway’s Traffic Incident Management System (TIMS) provides an exemplary operational monitoring system. Accordingly, many performance measures are maintained. In recent years, the Tollways performance measure program expanded to include the analysis of Secondary Crashes: crashes that occur as a result of a proceeding crash or incident. This requires a more complicated methodology than typical traffic performance measures. To search for secondary crashes, three methods are used.
Bike Share and User Motivation: Exploring Trip Substitution Choices Among Divvy User
Hugh Bartling, DePaul University
Bike share has been embraced by municipalities over the last decade as cities seek to reduce congestion, implement low-cost options for mobility, and encourage residents to develop active lifestyles. While systems in many cities have seen robust aggregate ridership figures, the particular motivations and attitudes of users have not been extensively studied.
If one of the explicit goals of policymakers is to encourage behaviors that can enhance mobility and contribute to positive social outcomes for cities, having a deeper understanding of user motivations as they relate to the goals of bike share adoption can be useful in promoting the expansion of ridership
Bike share has been embraced by municipalities over the last decade as cities seek to reduce congestion, implement low-cost options for mobility, and encourage residents to develop active lifestyles. While systems in many cities have seen robust aggregate ridership figures, the particular motivations and attitudes of users have not been extensively studied.
If one of the explicit goals of policymakers is to encourage behaviors that can enhance mobility and contribute to positive social outcomes for cities, having a deeper understanding of user motivations as they relate to the goals of bike share adoption can be useful in promoting the expansion of ridership
Rapid Delivery Project to Improve Traffic Safety along Milwaukee Avenue
Siddharth Shah, Sam Schwartz
Too many people are dying on the streets of America as they attempt to go from place to another as part of their daily routines. Cities are recognizing the impacts of designing transportation systems that prioritize automobiles over other forms of mobility. One of the greatest impacts is the risk that automobiles and automobile infrastructure pose to pedestrians, bicyclists, and users of other mobility devices.
The presentation will elaborate on how people using modes of active transportation such as walking and biking are most vulnerable on the streets of Chicago. Through crash data analysis, the presentation will throw light on how the issue of traffic violence has a more severe impact on the traditionally disadvantaged communities.
Too many people are dying on the streets of America as they attempt to go from place to another as part of their daily routines. Cities are recognizing the impacts of designing transportation systems that prioritize automobiles over other forms of mobility. One of the greatest impacts is the risk that automobiles and automobile infrastructure pose to pedestrians, bicyclists, and users of other mobility devices.
The presentation will elaborate on how people using modes of active transportation such as walking and biking are most vulnerable on the streets of Chicago. Through crash data analysis, the presentation will throw light on how the issue of traffic violence has a more severe impact on the traditionally disadvantaged communities.
The Last Mile of Transit Trips
Peter Kersten, University of Illinois Chicago
A complete public transit trip includes the fare, mode, speed, and distance served and also accounts for access and egress costs. These access and egress costs or the first and final legs of a trip are commonly called the first and last mile or the last mile problem. While the term last mile does not represent a set length, last mile distance does impact the way that travelers utilize the broader transit network.
This study quantifies the last mile problem in the seven county Chicago Metropolitan Statistical Area utilizing Open Trip Planner software and GTFS data for the three service boards operating in the region.
A complete public transit trip includes the fare, mode, speed, and distance served and also accounts for access and egress costs. These access and egress costs or the first and final legs of a trip are commonly called the first and last mile or the last mile problem. While the term last mile does not represent a set length, last mile distance does impact the way that travelers utilize the broader transit network.
This study quantifies the last mile problem in the seven county Chicago Metropolitan Statistical Area utilizing Open Trip Planner software and GTFS data for the three service boards operating in the region.
Incorporating Dempster-Shafer Theory Into e-STEP Trade-off Analysis Method For Multicriteria Transportation Resources Allocation
Tung Truong, Illinois Institute of Technology
The growing demand for new appraisal methodologies in transportation investment decision-making has been recognized due to the fact that the conventional benefit-cost analysis sometimes falls short when some social impacts of a transportation improvement projects are difficult to be monetized. Moreover, transportation agencies such as state department of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations are facing the daunting challenge of allocating limited revenue to service the transportation needs. Therefore, a coherent, well-structured, flexible, straight evaluation method, taking into account all the criteria of transportation improvement project is tremendously essential. This paper presents a new tradeoff analysis method based on Dempster-Shafer (DS) theory in conjunction with e-STEP method for multicriteria transportation investment decision making.
The growing demand for new appraisal methodologies in transportation investment decision-making has been recognized due to the fact that the conventional benefit-cost analysis sometimes falls short when some social impacts of a transportation improvement projects are difficult to be monetized. Moreover, transportation agencies such as state department of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations are facing the daunting challenge of allocating limited revenue to service the transportation needs. Therefore, a coherent, well-structured, flexible, straight evaluation method, taking into account all the criteria of transportation improvement project is tremendously essential. This paper presents a new tradeoff analysis method based on Dempster-Shafer (DS) theory in conjunction with e-STEP method for multicriteria transportation investment decision making.
A Recent Transplant’s Perspective of Understanding Chicago: Interplay of Societal Networks for Neighborhood Choice
Vivek Kumar, WSP
Chicago, one of the largest metropolitan cities in the USA, is overwhelming for new residents. A plethora of societal networks such as transportation, accessibility, safety, restaurants, parks, rental prices are among the most important parameters that new Chicagoans look for, when deciding their stay.
Fortunately, Chicago is a leading contributor to the Open Data movement and provides a multitude of data. The goal is to understand, visualize and formulate underlying factors responsible for neighborhood desirability.
This presentation will delve into the varied aspects of urban system and understand its contribution to the neighborhood appeal for residential choice in Chicago. It will also help planners, policymakers and city—officials to emphasize on the parameters which can be improved subsequently.
Chicago, one of the largest metropolitan cities in the USA, is overwhelming for new residents. A plethora of societal networks such as transportation, accessibility, safety, restaurants, parks, rental prices are among the most important parameters that new Chicagoans look for, when deciding their stay.
Fortunately, Chicago is a leading contributor to the Open Data movement and provides a multitude of data. The goal is to understand, visualize and formulate underlying factors responsible for neighborhood desirability.
This presentation will delve into the varied aspects of urban system and understand its contribution to the neighborhood appeal for residential choice in Chicago. It will also help planners, policymakers and city—officials to emphasize on the parameters which can be improved subsequently.
Sustainable Design and Alternative Energy at CTA Station
Jamil Fatti, Chicago Transit Authority
As a continuation of the Blue Line Forest Park Branch Feasibility/Vision Study (BLVS), the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and the Village of Oak Park requested that the BLVS consultant firm WSP conduct research into sustainable rail-station design and renewable energy strategies that could be adopted in future station designs. The request was motivated by strong Oak Park community interest in sustainability and a desire to further support CTA’s green measures.
As a continuation of the Blue Line Forest Park Branch Feasibility/Vision Study (BLVS), the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and the Village of Oak Park requested that the BLVS consultant firm WSP conduct research into sustainable rail-station design and renewable energy strategies that could be adopted in future station designs. The request was motivated by strong Oak Park community interest in sustainability and a desire to further support CTA’s green measures.
Student Mobility on Campus and at Home
Julie Cidell, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Recent research on millennial mobilities has sought to uncover the reasons for the apparent reduction in vehicle miles traveled by the younger generation. At the same time, understanding student mobilities on a traditional residential university campus can offer insights as to how more sustainable transportation behavior might be encouraged as young people are developing their independence. Based on a pilot study at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, this paper analyzes the ways in which students’ mobility on campus is connected to their mobilities at home.
Recent research on millennial mobilities has sought to uncover the reasons for the apparent reduction in vehicle miles traveled by the younger generation. At the same time, understanding student mobilities on a traditional residential university campus can offer insights as to how more sustainable transportation behavior might be encouraged as young people are developing their independence. Based on a pilot study at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, this paper analyzes the ways in which students’ mobility on campus is connected to their mobilities at home.
SESSION 3
Transit Trends: Autonomous, Electric and Flexible (Micro) Solutions | Wolf Point Reception
Moderated by Alvaro Villagran - Shared-Use Mobility Center
#TransitTrends (twitter)
The development of autonomous, electric, and on-demand (micro) transit solutions are expanding mobility options and reshaping the future of transit. A growing body of research, as well as the lessons learned from the implementation of pilot projects, are providing a better understanding of the needs and challenges to develop connected, green, and flexible transit technologies.
This panel brings together presentations based on industry experience and case studies to discuss the impacts that new technologies will have on infrastructure, capital, and service investments for first-last mile solutions and transit service in different contexts.
Moderated by Alvaro Villagran - Shared-Use Mobility Center
#TransitTrends (twitter)
The development of autonomous, electric, and on-demand (micro) transit solutions are expanding mobility options and reshaping the future of transit. A growing body of research, as well as the lessons learned from the implementation of pilot projects, are providing a better understanding of the needs and challenges to develop connected, green, and flexible transit technologies.
This panel brings together presentations based on industry experience and case studies to discuss the impacts that new technologies will have on infrastructure, capital, and service investments for first-last mile solutions and transit service in different contexts.
Microtransit solutions in Illinois Suburban Areas: Flexible On-Demand Transit Services as Alternative to Private Transportation
Laura Coll Martinez, Illinois Institute of Technology
The study proposed is about micro-transit as a powerful solution to transit in areas of low density of population (such as rural and small urban areas) as alternative to private transportation. This technology enabled transit service offers flexible routing and/or flexible scheduling of minibus vehicles, as part of Demand Responsive Transit. Because of the economies of scope found in rural transit, the network proposed would complement the existing transit with fixed routes, providing a flexible service of demand-response bus flexible routes.
For this purpose, it has been picked couple areas in the Illinois countryside and analyzed its situation in private and public transportation. From these areas, it has been interviewed regional experts in transportation, from public agencies or in positions related to transportation management. With the aid this professional perspective, it has able to detect the transportation deficiencies and needs in those areas, and the possibility of micro-transit as part of the solution.
With the necessities detected, it has been designed a network with a flexible route system to connect the unserved areas with the use of minivans. The proposed network has been compared economically to the existing transit service and the possible impacts from it. Finally, it has been possible to conclude if the project is viable and a smart solution for areas of low density in the state of Illinois.
The study proposed is about micro-transit as a powerful solution to transit in areas of low density of population (such as rural and small urban areas) as alternative to private transportation. This technology enabled transit service offers flexible routing and/or flexible scheduling of minibus vehicles, as part of Demand Responsive Transit. Because of the economies of scope found in rural transit, the network proposed would complement the existing transit with fixed routes, providing a flexible service of demand-response bus flexible routes.
For this purpose, it has been picked couple areas in the Illinois countryside and analyzed its situation in private and public transportation. From these areas, it has been interviewed regional experts in transportation, from public agencies or in positions related to transportation management. With the aid this professional perspective, it has able to detect the transportation deficiencies and needs in those areas, and the possibility of micro-transit as part of the solution.
With the necessities detected, it has been designed a network with a flexible route system to connect the unserved areas with the use of minivans. The proposed network has been compared economically to the existing transit service and the possible impacts from it. Finally, it has been possible to conclude if the project is viable and a smart solution for areas of low density in the state of Illinois.
FEASIBILITY of the Transition to a Battery Electric Bus Fleet in Public Transit
Dimitris Nioras, Illinois Institute of Technology
Public transportation systems struggle to cover their operation and maintenance expenses in an environment of continuously decreasing ridership. Fare revenue covers no more than 50% of the total operation costs, while funding from federal and state governments is not sufficient to close the gap between revenues and expenses. These funding issues cause difficulties in maintaining current assets, so it is even more difficult to fund improvements to the system, replacement of vehicles that have exceeded their useful life, and building renovations.
Battery electric vehicle technology is a relatively new topic in public transportation. Battery technology and limited range have been prohibiting for transit agencies in using battery electric vehicles in their fleet, regardless of the lower operating and maintenance costs, and environmental benefits. However, trends show that many transit agencies are studying battery electric bus operations, having a slow conversion process in mind, given satisfactory results.
This presentation shows a study of the financial aspect of owning and maintaining battery electric buses in public transportation, as well as compare the long term benefits and drawbacks of operating a battery electric fleet of buses to a regular diesel and diesel-hybrid fleet. The goal is to estimate the feasibility of converting a bus fleet to electric, in order to make a good pitch for transit agencies when they request federal or state funding. A case study on the Chicago Transit Authority’s bus fleet will be used to provide insight.
Public transportation systems struggle to cover their operation and maintenance expenses in an environment of continuously decreasing ridership. Fare revenue covers no more than 50% of the total operation costs, while funding from federal and state governments is not sufficient to close the gap between revenues and expenses. These funding issues cause difficulties in maintaining current assets, so it is even more difficult to fund improvements to the system, replacement of vehicles that have exceeded their useful life, and building renovations.
Battery electric vehicle technology is a relatively new topic in public transportation. Battery technology and limited range have been prohibiting for transit agencies in using battery electric vehicles in their fleet, regardless of the lower operating and maintenance costs, and environmental benefits. However, trends show that many transit agencies are studying battery electric bus operations, having a slow conversion process in mind, given satisfactory results.
This presentation shows a study of the financial aspect of owning and maintaining battery electric buses in public transportation, as well as compare the long term benefits and drawbacks of operating a battery electric fleet of buses to a regular diesel and diesel-hybrid fleet. The goal is to estimate the feasibility of converting a bus fleet to electric, in order to make a good pitch for transit agencies when they request federal or state funding. A case study on the Chicago Transit Authority’s bus fleet will be used to provide insight.
A Brave New World: How Autonomous & Connected Vehicles Will Reshape Transportation Planning
Chris Pauly, HDR Inc
Autonomous and Connected (AV/CV) shuttles & micro-shuttles are poised to change the way transportation operates around the world. Whether AV’s are deployed as a first/last mile solution on private campuses and universities or used within cities as a major transportation option, the adoption of AV/CV technology will change the way planners look at future transportation needs.
The future outlook of AV/CV’s, the opportunities for city/campus planners, the impact on current infrastructure investments and future technological capabilities will all be shown and discussed.
Autonomous and Connected (AV/CV) shuttles & micro-shuttles are poised to change the way transportation operates around the world. Whether AV’s are deployed as a first/last mile solution on private campuses and universities or used within cities as a major transportation option, the adoption of AV/CV technology will change the way planners look at future transportation needs.
The future outlook of AV/CV’s, the opportunities for city/campus planners, the impact on current infrastructure investments and future technological capabilities will all be shown and discussed.
Regional Mobility Strategies | Western Stage
Moderated by Sidney Kenyon - DuPage County DOT
#WeRouteHere (twitter)
Far too often, non-urban transportation network design and programming focus centrally on the automobile. Staff representatives from the Kane Kendall Council of Mayors share strategies they have implemented to overcome the automobile-centric transportation networks that are prevalent in the Chicagoland suburbs.
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Urban Transportation Center discuss results from their groundbreaking mobility network management project. UTC representatives share their findings, best practices, and the challenges of coordinating statewide across multiple agencies and organizations.
Panelists:
P.S. Sriraj, UIC Urban Transportation Center
Ryan Peterson, Kane Kendall Council of Mayors
Jackie Forbes, Kane County Division of Transportation
Perspectives on Rails-to-Trails Projects in Chicago | Merchants Hotel
Moderated by Cody McChane - CDM Smith
#RailsToTrails (twitter)
Urban trails are one of the best tools we have to encourage more people to walk and bike for everyday transportation, improve public health and create a cleaner environment.
This session will featuren Chicago that will transform walking and biking as well as increase safe access to public transit. Developing trails is not without complications, however. Many neighborhood residents have raised important equity concerns about environmental conditions and impacts on local neighborhoods.
Projects to be featured include the Englewood Line, El Paseo Trail and Weber Spur Trail. These projects are in varying stages of development and each one faces unique challenges and opportunities.At the same time, they offer incredible connections to a potential 27-mile Chicago River Trail. A complete trail will transform areas around the river into vibrant open spaces and connect people to jobs, shopping districts and recreation opportunities.
The workshop will feature a roundtable discussion with opportunities for the audience to ask questions and dialogue with panelists.
Panelists:
Antonio Acevedo, Co-Director El Paseo Community Garden
Lubka Benak, Chicago Department of Transportation
Jim O'Reilly, North Branch Trail Alliance of Greater Chicago and North River Commission
Anton Seals, Grow Greater Englewood
Steve Simmons, Active Transportation Alliance
Presentation Slides
Moving Chicago's CREATE Program Forward: A Case Study in Rail Mobility, Leadership and Public-Private Partnering | Steamboat Hotel
Moderated by Jane Wilberding - Sam Schwartz
#CREATEFreight (twitter)
CREATE's 75th Street CIP and Argo Connections project comprise five inter-related infrastructure improvements that are central, both geographically and functionally, to reducing rail and highway delays and expanding freight, commuter, and passenger railroad capacity in the Chicago region.
This presentation examines the evolution, development and success of the CREATE infrastructure program, now celebrating 15 years of critically-needed rail improvements, as well as how the grant award is effectively leveraging public/private funding to advance these projects forward and realize economic benefits throughout the Chicago region.
Presentation Slides
Panelists:
Bill Thompson, Association of American Railroads
Samuel Tuck III, Illinois Department of Transportation
Jeffrey Sriver, Chicago Department of Transportation
Alex Beata, Cook County Department of Transportation and Highway
Moderated by Sidney Kenyon - DuPage County DOT
#WeRouteHere (twitter)
Far too often, non-urban transportation network design and programming focus centrally on the automobile. Staff representatives from the Kane Kendall Council of Mayors share strategies they have implemented to overcome the automobile-centric transportation networks that are prevalent in the Chicagoland suburbs.
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Urban Transportation Center discuss results from their groundbreaking mobility network management project. UTC representatives share their findings, best practices, and the challenges of coordinating statewide across multiple agencies and organizations.
Panelists:
P.S. Sriraj, UIC Urban Transportation Center
Ryan Peterson, Kane Kendall Council of Mayors
Jackie Forbes, Kane County Division of Transportation
Perspectives on Rails-to-Trails Projects in Chicago | Merchants Hotel
Moderated by Cody McChane - CDM Smith
#RailsToTrails (twitter)
Urban trails are one of the best tools we have to encourage more people to walk and bike for everyday transportation, improve public health and create a cleaner environment.
This session will featuren Chicago that will transform walking and biking as well as increase safe access to public transit. Developing trails is not without complications, however. Many neighborhood residents have raised important equity concerns about environmental conditions and impacts on local neighborhoods.
Projects to be featured include the Englewood Line, El Paseo Trail and Weber Spur Trail. These projects are in varying stages of development and each one faces unique challenges and opportunities.At the same time, they offer incredible connections to a potential 27-mile Chicago River Trail. A complete trail will transform areas around the river into vibrant open spaces and connect people to jobs, shopping districts and recreation opportunities.
The workshop will feature a roundtable discussion with opportunities for the audience to ask questions and dialogue with panelists.
Panelists:
Antonio Acevedo, Co-Director El Paseo Community Garden
Lubka Benak, Chicago Department of Transportation
Jim O'Reilly, North Branch Trail Alliance of Greater Chicago and North River Commission
Anton Seals, Grow Greater Englewood
Steve Simmons, Active Transportation Alliance
Presentation Slides
Moving Chicago's CREATE Program Forward: A Case Study in Rail Mobility, Leadership and Public-Private Partnering | Steamboat Hotel
Moderated by Jane Wilberding - Sam Schwartz
#CREATEFreight (twitter)
CREATE's 75th Street CIP and Argo Connections project comprise five inter-related infrastructure improvements that are central, both geographically and functionally, to reducing rail and highway delays and expanding freight, commuter, and passenger railroad capacity in the Chicago region.
This presentation examines the evolution, development and success of the CREATE infrastructure program, now celebrating 15 years of critically-needed rail improvements, as well as how the grant award is effectively leveraging public/private funding to advance these projects forward and realize economic benefits throughout the Chicago region.
Presentation Slides
Panelists:
Bill Thompson, Association of American Railroads
Samuel Tuck III, Illinois Department of Transportation
Jeffrey Sriver, Chicago Department of Transportation
Alex Beata, Cook County Department of Transportation and Highway
RECEPTION
Enjoy the unparalleled view of the skyline and river while catching up with colleagues over hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine, and cocktails.
