Ask Garbo

Hey GARBO: What are some rules of thumb in providing transit service?

Transit service works best when tailored to the types of land use and the density of population, employment and commercial development in the areas it serves. Density of development affects the extent to which transit is used. Higher densities, in the range of 4,500 population/employment per square mile, lead to increased ridership. This holds true for higher densities at the "origin" end of the trip (the home) or at the "destination" end (place of work, shopping, etc.); either way, transit use is enhanced by higher densities.

Transit ridership is also impacted by the type of land use. Land use affects the types of transit trips that are taken and the days of the week and times of the day of these trips. For example, office employees who work typical business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) have different travel requirement requirements than hospital employees who work rotating shifts.