DOI: https://doi.org/10.15368/theses.2012.221
Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/900
Date of Award
12-2012
Degree Name
Master of City and Regional Planning/MS in Engineering (Transportation Planning Specialization)
Department/Program
City and Regional Planning
Advisor
Cornelius Nuworsoo
Abstract
This study examines how a shuttle system can meet transportation needs in Pittsburg. A circulator shuttle connecting major commercial nodes, public facilities, and residential locations, can increase travel options and improve accessibility to key locations. A review of best practices and transit planning standards provides a means to determine the cost of a shuttle service. The base costs of service are then applied to three alternatives for different shuttle route alignments: 1) a north-south route along Railroad Avenue only, 2) a north-south route along Railroad Avenue and an east-west route to Century Plaza, and 3) a north-south route along Railroad Avenue and an east-west route to Century Plaza that also links to Los Medanos College. Each alternative presents the basic system characteristics, which include travel time between proposed stops; the difference in shuttle and automobile travel times; ridership along each route; and cost evaluation of service. Alternatives are evaluated based on comparisons of benefits and costs they can produce in the current environment. Alternative 3 provides the greatest coverage, has the largest potential ridership, and provides access to other major destinations in the eastern half of the city. This should be the ultimate vision for the shuttle service. However, fiscal uncertainties at the moment suggest that it is prudent to select the least expensive alternative, Alternative 1, and slowly branch out the system over time. This would create opportunities for the shuttle system to expand with the future growth of central Pittsburg.