Capital investment in transit often takes the form of light rail lines and express bus routes, however bus routes supporting reverse commute flows and transit transfer centers may be more suited to serving inner-city, transit dependent residents. This paper seeks to measure the success of reinvestment in inner city transit infrastructure from the perspective of system users. The objectives of this research are to a) determine whether the addition of a bus transfer center and the reconfiguration of several bus routes improves mobility and access to jobs for inner city residents, and b) if amenities included in transit transfer centers significantly affect customers satisfaction with transit service. Passenger surveys were conducted at a transit transfer center in St. Louis, Missouri, six months following its opening. Passengers were asked questions regarding their satisfaction with the transfer center, changes in their trip-making behavior since the opening of the transfer center, demographic characteristics, and home and workplace locations. In total, 340 passenger surveys were completed. Survey results suggest a high level of satisfaction among users of the transfer center. Amenities including public restrooms, a convenience store, and shelter were among the highest satisfaction items. Survey respondent home and workplace locations suggests that many customers using the transfer center live and work in a relatively small geographic area, in spite of the addition of bus service connecting inner-city neighborhoods to distant suburban employment centers.
Samenvatting