Public Transportation Systems Flashcards

What is 'transit-oriented development' (TOD)?

Answer: Mixed-use, walkable development centered around transit stations

TOD is a planning strategy that concentrates mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly development around transit hubs to increase ridership and reduce car dependency.

Which rail technology uses magnetic levitation to eliminate wheel-to-rail contact?

Answer: Maglev

Maglev (magnetic levitation) trains use electromagnetic forces to levitate and propel the vehicle, eliminating friction from wheel-rail contact.

What is 'peak-hour' service in public transportation?

Answer: Increased frequency during morning and evening commute times

Peak-hour service refers to more frequent transit departures scheduled during high-demand morning and evening rush hours.

When a transit agency says a route has a 'load factor' of 1.2, what does this mean?

Answer: The vehicle is carrying 20% more passengers than its seated capacity

A load factor above 1.0 means the vehicle is carrying more passengers than its seated capacity, indicating standing passengers are present.

Which emission standard applies specifically to transit buses in the United States?

Answer: EPA 2010 Heavy-Duty Engine Standards

The EPA 2010 Heavy-Duty Engine Standards set strict NOx and particulate matter limits that apply to transit bus engines across the U.S.

What is the purpose of a 'timed transfer' in public transit network design?

Answer: Scheduling vehicles to arrive simultaneously at a hub so passengers can connect between routes

A timed transfer (pulse) coordinates multiple routes to arrive at a central hub simultaneously, minimizing passenger wait time when switching between routes.

In transit planning, what does 'span of service' refer to?

Answer: The hours during which a route operates each day

Span of service describes the daily operating hours of a transit route, from first departure to last departure.