The system uses shuttles to solve the “first/last mile” problem, i.e., the inability to take travelers all the way from their origin to their destination. Shuttles, bus rapid transit (BRT), and existing rail lines work together to connect the city and reduce congestion. Additionally, the system finds the optimal path for a user to take from their origin to their destination, increasing overall speed and convenience. The project simulates implementation in the Atlanta region to validate the On-Demand Multimodal Transit System’s scalability and ability to work in very complex regions.
In the United States, car ownership is still the best predictor of upward social mobility. Public transportation has the potential to promote equity, mitigate congestion and provide environmentally friendly and cost-effective mobility. By solving the first/last mile problem, we can reduce the amount of travelers who prefer private vehicles, reducing congestion and harmful emissions.