The impacts of modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP) on social equity analyses of public transit reliability

Keywords: Equity, Public Transit, On-Time Performance, Pass-up, Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP)
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Saturday
Session Start / End Time: 2/26/2022 08:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/26/2022 09:20 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 3

Abstract

The social equity of public transit reliability is generally evaluated based on a single spatial unit analysis, which is mostly route-level. This study aims to explore the spatial sensitivity and the impacts of the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP) on social equity assessment of transit reliability. To this end, we investigate the social equity of bus on-time performance (OTP) and pass-up distribution in Winnipeg, Canada at both route vs. stop-levels and compare the results. Bus routes and stops adopted from the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) data are classified into two types: minority vs. non-minority population serving routes and stops according to the census-based equity evaluation methodology adapted from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). We conduct an equity assessment by calculating the mean deviations (e.g., early arrivals, delays) of bus operations from the predetermined schedule and the number of pass-ups that occurred in minority vs. non-minority serving routes and stops. We also consider different day types (e.g., weekdays, weekends) and disability status (e.g., wheelchair, regular passengers) in the equity assessment. While the route-level results depict that the bus service reliability is equitable, results of the stop-level analysis reveal inequities in the distribution of the OTP and bus pass-up in minority and non-minority serving stops. Our findings demonstrate that different levels of spatial aggregation can significantly change the results of social equity analysis on public transit reliability. The results of this paper would assist decision-makers and transit planners in taking appropriate measures to promote transit reliability and social equity.