Transit Services for Sprawling Areas with Relatively Low Demand Density: A Pilot Study in the Texas Border's Colonias

Project Description

Colonias, unincorporated settlements outside city boundaries along the U.S.-Mexico border, are one of the most rapidly growing areas in Texas. Texas has the largest number of colonias and the highest colonia population, more than 400,000 people, of any state. Because of the relatively low income of the residents and an inadequate availability of transportation services, the need for basic social amenities for the colonias cannot be properly met. This study examined the potential demand for an improved transportation service and evaluated the capacity and optimum service time interval of a new demand-responsive transit (DRT) feeder service within one representative colonia, El Cenizo.

Researchers conducted a survey to evaluate the existing travel patterns and the potential demand for a feeder service. Results indicated that a single demand-responsive feeder transit service would be able to comfortably serve a maximum of 150 passengers per day. A single-vehicle DRT service would suffice for serving the transportation needs of El Cenizo, assuming that residents' behavior falls within national statistics. The optimal time between consecutive departures from the terminal should be between 11-13 minutes for best service quality.

This exploratory study serves as a first step toward improving transportation services within these growing underprivileged communities, especially for those with demographics and geography similar to El Cenizo.

Texas Transportation Researcher Articles

TTI and A&M study mobility in border colonia - Volume 45, Number 3

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Link: Final Report

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