Designing Shuttle Services for Niche Markets Presentation to: APTA 2009 Bus & Paratransit Conference & International Bus Roadeo/ Bus Rapid Transit Conference Lawrence Deeter Senior Transportation Planner TranSystems Chicago, IL Presentation to: APTA 2009 Bus & Paratransit Conference & International Bus Roadeo/ Bus Rapid Transit Conference Lawrence Deeter Senior Transportation Planner TranSystems Chicago, IL

Designing Shuttle Services for Niche Markets May 5, Overview Background Step 1: Market Research Step 2: Service Characteristics & Design Case Studies Recommendations

Designing Shuttle Services for Niche Markets May 5, Background Services initiated by entities that have little background providing transit services Market research plays a critical role Funding often comes through a partnership with the end user Amount of funding often known from the beginning

Designing Shuttle Services for Niche Markets May 5, Step 1: Market Research Tools Surveys Focus Groups Survey Design Targeted Questions Time of Travel Places that Need to be Connected Reason for Travel Willingness / Likelihood to Use Shuttle Preferences

Designing Shuttle Services for Niche Markets May 5, Step 2: Service Characteristics & Design Service Characteristics Flexibility Information Reliability Travel Time Comfort Cost Image

Designing Shuttle Services for Niche Markets May 5, Step 2: Service Characteristics & Design Service Design Fixed Route Demand Response Other Considerations Management & Operations Passenger Amenities Marketing

Designing Shuttle Services for Niche Markets May 5, Case Study: Station Boulevard Shuttle Designed to connect three residential developments along Station Boulevard to the Route 59 Metra Station

Designing Shuttle Services for Niche Markets May 5, Large Employer Shuttle Service Three Types of Shuttles Service to and from surrounding Metra commuter rail stations Intra-campus shuttle service at the employers two campuses Inter-campus shuttle service between the two campuses that also serves offices located off-campuses

Designing Shuttle Services for Niche Markets May 5, Recommendations Timed Connections to Transit Service Quick, Direct Travel to the Users Destination Reliable and Comfortable Service Good Information About the Service

Designing Shuttle Services for Niche Markets May 5, Questions Questions? Contact Lawrence Deeter –