Optimization of the West Loop Chicago Public Bus Network

This thesis focuses on optimizing the public bus network in the West Loop of Chicago, aiming to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and overall service quality. The research begins by examining the evolution of urban forms and mobility patterns, highlighting the decentralization trend in cities like...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor: Falguera Mayoral, Gerard
Tipo de recurso: tesis de maestría
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
Repositorio:UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/421324
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2117/421324
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Local transit--West (U.S.)
Bus lines--West (U.S.)
Bus terminals--West (U.S.)
Autobusos--Estacions--Oest (Estats Units d'Amèrica)
Transport públic--Oest (Estats Units d'Amèrica)
Línies d'autobusos--Oest (Estats Units d'Amèrica)
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Enginyeria civil::Infraestructures i modelització dels transports
Descripción
Sumario:This thesis focuses on optimizing the public bus network in the West Loop of Chicago, aiming to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and overall service quality. The research begins by examining the evolution of urban forms and mobility patterns, highlighting the decentralization trend in cities like Chicago and its impact on transit access. By analyzing historical data and current trends, the study identifies critical issues affecting the bus network's performance. A comprehensive review of existing literature on transit network design provides the theoretical foundation for this research. The study then develops a detailed model for Chicago's bus network, incorporating demand assessment and service analysis. Specific focus is placed on selecting representative microcosms within the city to gain insights into broader transportation issues. The West Loop is chosen as a case study due to its unique mix of residential, commercial, and entertainment venues. The implementation phase addresses the practical challenges of optimizing the transit network. Several solutions are proposed, including introducing new transit lines, implementing micro- transit services, and investing in high-quality infrastructure. Each solution is analyzed for its feasibility, expected impact, and potential benefits, providing a roadmap for practical implementation. The concluding chapter summarizes the key findings and contributions of the thesis. It evaluates how well the initial goals have been achieved and discusses the broader implications for urban transit planning. The research underscores the importance of adapting public transit systems to evolving urban forms and suggests future directions for further study in optimizing urban mobility. Through this comprehensive approach, the thesis aims to offer valuable insights and strategies for improving public transportation in the context of urban decentralization.