MACMobility Data Analytics Center
Multi-Modal Transportation Systems

Project

Measuring Time-Dependent Accessibility with Emerging Mobility Options: A Generic Multi-Modal Network Modeling Framework

A multi-modal accessibility framework that incorporates travel time, cost, reliability, safety, and comfort across personal vehicles, ride-hailing, transit, bikes, scooters, and walking.

  • LeadSean Qian
  • FunderU.S. Department of Transportation
  • Years2022–2023

As cities work to enhance their overall transportation systems, new mobility options are being rapidly integrated. These alternatives allow commuters increased flexibility in trip planning and access to more essential services. However, measuring their combined effects on accessibility across time and space in large-scale multimodal networks remains underdeveloped.

Traditional accessibility metrics in single-mode networks typically focus solely on travel time and assume uniform populations. This research addresses these gaps by creating a multimodal framework that evaluates five key factors: average travel time, cost, reliability (travel-time variability), safety, and comfort across all modes. The resulting generalized travel cost determines accessibility, incorporating personal vehicles, ride-hailing services, car sharing, public transit, bicycles, bike sharing, scooters, and walking.