Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Avani Aravind

Date

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Civil Engineering

Committee Chair

Sabya Mishra

Committee Member

Andy Guthrie

Committee Member

Claudio Meier

Committee Member

Mihalis Golias

Committee Member

Suvin Venthuruthiyil

Abstract

As cities seek to build inclusive, efficient, and sustainable transportation systems, the integration of on-demand mobility services with traditional fixed-route transit (FRT) offers a promising solution to enhance coverage and connectivity. However, challenges persist in evaluating the cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and user acceptance of such integrated systems. This dissertation presents a comprehensive, three-part framework that addresses these gaps by (1) developing a simulation-based, pre-implementation cost evaluation model, (2) assessing the accessibility and equity outcomes of integrated systems, and (3) exploring the effectiveness of behavioral nudges in influencing transit adoption. The first study introduces an agent-based simulation model to evaluate generalized system costs comprising user, agency, and external costs across fourteen multimodal integration scenarios combining FRT, Demand Response Transit (DRT), and Transportation Network Companies (TNC). Applied to synthetic (Sioux Falls) and real-world (Morristown, TN) networks, the model demonstrated that over 70% of trips could be feasibly connected to existing FRT through feeder services. The second study examines spatial equity and accessibility impacts of integrating DRT and TNC services with FRT. This research article introduces the "Accessibility-Radius" metric and employs the Gini index, Lorenz curve, and Transit Coverage Gap to quantify accessibility improvements. The third study applies behavioral economics and goal-framing theory to evaluate the impact of digital nudging on public transit preference and promoting mode shift from single occupant vehicles to multimodal transit modes. These studies collectively contribute to the understanding of integrated mobility systems, dynamic feeder solutions, and behavioral interventions, with the ultimate goal of fostering sustainable and efficient urban mobility.

Comments

Data is provided by the student

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest.

Notes

Open Access

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