Cities are increasingly prioritizing active and sustainable forms of mobility, with enhanced territorial connectivity emerging as a central objective. In this context, understanding the impacts of substantial public transit service changes ”beyond incremental adjustments" on travel behaviors is crucial for effective urban planning.
This research examines the effects of significant improvements in transit travel times on various travel behavior indicators. Using data from the Montreal metropolitan area, the study identifies areas where transit travel times have markedly improved over a five-year period and evaluates corresponding changes in behaviors such as mode choice, transit trip rates, and the spatial distribution of transit trips.
To achieve this, GTFS data are employed to estimate transit travel time matrices, while origin-destination travel survey data provide insights into observed behavioral patterns. Transit travel time matrices are compared to detect origin-destination pairs with notable changes, using filters based on spatial and temporal parameters. Furthermore, distribution models are calibrated to analyze how changes in travel times influence the spatial structure of trips and overall transit demand.
This analysis offers valuable insights into the relationship between transit supply improvements and travel behaviors, informing strategies to promote sustainable and efficient urban mobility.
