A SYSTEMS APPROACH TO ASSESS AND IMPROVE THE LAST-MILE ACCESS TO MASS TRANSITS

Abstract

Rapid urbanization, coupled with increasing private motorization, poses serious challenges to urban mobility. Development of mass transits and promotion of non-motorised modes, especially for the last-mile access, are widely considered as possible solutions. Taking a systems perspective, we explore ways in which the last-mile access can be improved and measured in different cities. As cycling is a cheap and efficient mode for last-mile trips, we develop a generic framework to promote commuter cycling and examine its potential in Singapore by applying analytics on fare-card data. Next, we conduct a study of Delhi metro to better understand the factors that determine attractiveness of rail transits and identify ways to increase ridership by improving last-mile access. We also develop an optimization approach to pick a portfolio of last-mile interventions for a metro network. Finally, we develop indices to measure the state of last-mile access and demonstrate their application in Singapore and Delhi.