Current ICT Project
Investigators:
  Piyushimita (Vonu) Thakuriah (Primary), Paul Metaxatos
Project Title:
  Bus-Only Shoulder Riding
Start Date: 8/16/2007
End Date: 1/31/2009
Summary of Project:
  Bus on shoulder operations has been ongoing in several locations across the United States and abroad. These operations are typically undertaken to enable travelers to incur a more favorable traveling experience, while using public transportation compared to cars, when there is congestion in the traveled lanes. Improved speeds and schedule reliability are the major benefits experienced by bus riders, as a result of BOS operations.This study will review the literature on the safety and operational aspects of shoulder use and ways in which shoulder use has been incorporated as a part of congestion management in several regions. The study will conduct a stakeholder analysis of primary stakeholders, who might be involved in the planning and operations of buses riding of shoulder. Steps involved in deploying BOS operations will be summarized, based on this research.
Objective of Project:
  The objective of this study is to conduct a stakeholder analysis of key organizations in the Chicago metropolitan area in the northeastern Illinois region that may be involved in the planning, implementation and operations of buses on shoulders.
Expected Outcome:
  The purpose of the research is to describe the process by means of which the “first tier” stakeholders in the transportation, transit and law enforcement community, who might be directly involved if BOS operations to be implemented, are familiarized with the BOS concept. These stakeholders will be asked to identify the major areas of concern relating to safety, operations, physical design, cost and operating authority. Approaches to resolving these concerns will be synthesized from the literature; from experts and a primary data collection effort that utilizes a structured face-to-face interview approach of key stakeholders in the region. Finally, the major points that are in need of resolution in order to successfully implement BOS operations will be identified and a planning process that takes into account the major areas of concern will be recommended.
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Last Updated: 10/16/2009