Browsing by Author "Khani, Alireza"

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After Study of The Bus Rapid Transit A Line Impacts
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2018-12) Tomhave, Benjamin; Zhang, Yufeng; Khani, Alireza; Hourdos, John; Dirks, Peter; Olsson, Jack; Tao, Tao; Wu, Xinyi; Cao, Jason
In response to the limited awareness surrounding Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and the A Line, this study provides answers to questions regarding the operation and public perception of the A Line in the Twin Cities region, Minnesota. Two traffic scenarios were studied, one for high-volume oversaturated traffic during the Minnesota State Fair, and a second for normal operating conditions. For both scenarios, intersection queue length and traffic flow rate were compared before and after an A Line bus. It was found that in both time periods (Fair and non- Fair), the dwelling of an A Line bus during a green traffic signal did not have a statistically significant impact on intersection queue length or traffic-flow rate at either of the two researched stations. From an analysis of the 2016 On-Board Survey, it was determined that passengers are more satisfied by the overall service of the A Line than local buses while there is not a significant difference in overall satisfaction compared to express buses, light rail and commuter rail. The top three important service attributes to overall satisfaction are “paying my fare is easy,” “hours of operation,” and “handling of concerns/complaints.” It is recommended that the transit agency improve the attributes that have higher relative influences and lower mean performances. Based on this criterion, the attributes that should be given priority are “shelter/station conditions and cleanliness” and “behaviors of other passengers and atmosphere on board.”
Analysis of Interstate 405 Traffic Data and Performance Measures, and Recommendations to Improve Corridor Performance
(2018-01-25) Schmit, Matt; Khani, Alireza; Zhang, Yufeng; zhan4879@umn.edu; Zhang, Yufeng; University of Minnesota, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering; University of Minnesota, Humphrey School of Public Affairs
This study reflects findings from an independent and objective analysis of traffic data pertaining to performance of Washington’s I-405 tolled corridor. Researchers were asked to describe where the I-405 express toll lane (ETL) facility is working and where it is underperforming by analyzing the accuracy, utility, and limitations of available and applicable traffic data. Further, researchers were asked to compare findings against relevant performance measures contained in state statute. The researchers did a comprehensive study on the speed, volume and travel time on ETLs and General purpose lane (GPLs) based on the loop detector data and transaction data. The conclusions were drawn from the analysis. This data repository hosts the final report of the study as well as all the direct data analysis results that were not able to be included in the report due to length limit, for public sharing and data reuse purpose.
Benefits and Barriers to Electrification of the Freight System in Minnesota - White Paper
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2022-05) Khani, Alireza; Davazdah Emami, Behnam
This white paper provides a brief overview of benefits and barriers to the electrification of freight vehicles in Minnesota.
Designing an Autonomous Service to Cover Transit’s Last Mile in Low-Density Areas
(Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2024-03) Khani, Alireza; Aalipour, Ali; Kumar, Pramesh
Public transportation provides a safe, convenient, affordable, and environmentally friendly mobility service. However, due to its fixed routes and limited network coverage, it is sometimes difficult or impossible for passengers to walk from a transit stop to their destination. This inaccessibility problem is also known as the "transit last-mile connectivity problem." Such a lack of connectivity forces travelers to drive, thereby increasing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) on roads. The autonomous mobility-on-demand (AMoD) service, with characteristics such as quick fleet repositioning and demand responsiveness, as well as lower operational cost due to the elimination of operators' wages, has the potential to provide last-mile coverage where fixed-route transit can only provide limited service. This study presents research on designing an AMoD service to solve the transit last-mile problem in Greater Minnesota. After selection of the Miller Hill Mall (MMH) area in Duluth, MN, as the case study site, analysis on local transit services and demand data show that passengers may have to spend significant time walking and cross multiple streets to access stores from transit stops. To address this issue, an AMoD system for last-mile service was designed and integrated with the fixed route transit service. Novel mathematical models and AMoD control algorithms were developed, and simulation experiments were conducted for evaluation of the AMoD service. Simulation results showed that the AMoD service can improve transit quality of service and attract more riders to use transit to the MHM area, and therefore reduce the VMT in the region. These findings were consistent with the literature in that mode choice and first-/last-mile access were highly interdependent and AMoD can improve transit quality of service and reduce VMT. Research on riders' perception of AMoD service and field testing of the AMoD system using the developed models and algorithms are recommended to help agencies prepare for application of AMoD system in the region.
Identifying and Optimizing Electric Vehicle Corridor Charging Infrastructure for Medium and Heavy-Duty Trucks
(Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2023-06) Khani, Alireza; Emami, Behnam Davazdah; Garcia, Fernando; Popenhagen, Brandi
This project studies the benefits and barriers of increased adoption of medium-duty and heavy-duty electric trucks, referred to as e-trucks, and presents a methodology for optimizing the location of e-truck charging stations in Minnesota. In general, e-trucks provide zero tailpipe emissions and lower operating and maintenance costs. However, some barriers to adopting e-trucks include higher initial purchase costs, lack of charging and maintenance infrastructure, limited range, and charging time. The methods presented in this study aim to address the charging infrastructure planning, which provides information about e-truck charging activities, changes in vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and potential operating cost savings.
Impact of Transitways on Travel on Parallel and Adjacent Roads and Park-and-ride Facilities
(Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2021-01) Webb, Alex; Tao, Tao; Khani, Alireza; Cao, Jason; Wu, Xinyi
Transitways such as light rail transit (LRT) and bus rapid transit (BRT) provide fast, reliable, and high-capacity transit service. Transitways have the potential to attract more riders and take a portion of the auto mode share, reducing the growth of auto traffic. Park-and-ride (PNR) facilities can complement transit service by providing a viable choice for residents who are without walking access to transit or those who prefer better transit service such as LRT or BRT. In this study, we conducted two research tasks on Transitways services in the Twin Cities region in Minnesota; 1) to examine the impact of the operation of the Green Line LRT on the annual average daily traffic (AADT) of its adjacent roads, and 2) to estimate a PNR location choice model in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
MnDOT's Mobility-as-a-Service Platform: Assessing User Behavior and Measuring System's Benefits
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2024-06) Baek, Kwangho; DeBruin, Hannah; Khani, Alireza; McFadden, Elliott
A Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform was implemented in Southern Minnesota to streamline transit use and promote rural transit use, incorporating features like interactive trip planning and mobile payment. The project commenced with an area analysis, followed by a literature review highlighting MaaS's potential benefits for rural regions. Pre-deployment ridership data analysis revealed the impact of COVID-19 and seasonal variations on mid- and long-term ridership trends. Analysis of reservation and ride data provided insights into transit use patterns and user/operator experiences, informing areas for improvement through MaaS deployment. The post-deployment analysis employed a time series model to estimate MaaS's impact on ridership, showing a notable average monthly increase of 4.2% for demand-responsive transit (DRT) and paratransit services over nine months, compared to a marginal 0.2% rise in the control group. In addition, a before-and-after study of trip location data demonstrated MaaS's efficacy in boosting transit service rates in areas with socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, underscoring its equity-driven effectiveness.
Multimodal Connections with Transitways: Ridership, Access Mode, and Route Choice Implications
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2019-03) Guthrie, Andrew; Fan, Yingling; Khani, Alireza; Nowak, Jacqueline
Transitways—premium transit corridors employing technologies such as Light Rail Transit or Bus Rapid Transit—often depend on a variety of access and egress modes to connect users with their trip origins and destinations. This study seeks to create better understanding of how users access transitway stations by applying mode choice models, route choice models, and direct ridership models. Choice models were applied to revealed-preference transit passenger data from the Twin Cities show key components to user decisions regarding how to reach high-quality transit. To explore users’ choice of routes through the transit systems, schedule-based shortest path and multi-criterion shortest path algorithms were combined to investigate whether transit riders choose to take the shortest path between their origin and destination, a subjectively shortest path, or neither. In terms of ridership models, Poisson regression model were used to estimate average weekday boardings at transitway stations in 10 regions around the United States as a function of pedestrian, bicycle, and bus connections.
Public/Private Partnerships in Transit: Case Studies and Analysis
(Minnesota Council on Transportation Access, 2017-10) Blodgett, Moira; Khani, Alireza; Negoescu, Diana; Benjaafar, Saif
With the emergence of new business models for transportation services in the private, new types of partnerships between the public and private sector have also started to emerge. In this report, we focus on public/private partnerships that involve transportation network companies (TNCs), such as Uber and Lyft. We first discuss the structure of these partnerships in terms of the type of service provider, category of service, and payment arrangement. We then provide an in-depth discussion of five case studies, selected to highlight unique and distinctive features in each case. We draw lessons and takeaways from these case studies, highlighting opportunities and challenges for the future. We also discuss opportunities for the Twin Cities and the greater Minnesota region. In doing so, we provide analysis of travel behavior data and show how this analysis can be used to guide the deployment of a public/private partnership. One limitation of these case studies is that access for persons with disabilities, compliance with regulations, and protection of civil rights was not clearly articulated in these pilot programs and greater understanding of these areas is needed.
Remaining Service Life Asset Measure, Phase 2
(Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2022-02) Matias de Oliveira, Jhenyffer; Khani, Alireza; Davis, Gary; Marasteanu, Mihai
The main objectives of phase 2 of this project were to obtain relevant data to calculate the percent remaining service life interval (PRSI) and two additional metrics and to perform Markov chain analysis and dynamic programming to determine how much time and funding is required to bring the system to a stable configuration, which allows for more consistent planning. First, relevant pavement management data was obtained from MnDOT and preliminary data analyses were performed. The prediction models and optimization process currently used by MnDOT were investigated and summarized. Next, two additional metrics, Asset Sustainability Ratio and Deferred Preservation Liability, were calculated for MnDOT’s network. Then details of the estimation process of state-to-state transition probabilities to be used in the Markov chain model were presented. To allow for site-specific variation, ordinal logistic regression models were incorporated in the Markov chain model. The results were used in a dynamic programming optimization methodology to obtain baseline and optimal policies for different scenarios and a user-friendly excel spreadsheet tool was developed. Finally, a summary of the work performed followed by conclusions and recommendations was presented.
Rural Community Transit Strategies: Building on, Expanding, and Enhancing Existing Assets and Programs
(Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2023-02) Fisher, Thomas; Vogel, Mary; Khani, Alireza; Burga, Fernando
This project involved the development of innovative sharing-economy strategies to address rural transit challenges in Greater Minnesota. Many transit services and transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft do not provide services to commuters outside metro areas, forcing most residents in Greater Minnesota to own automobiles. Meanwhile, many communities have school bus systems and substantial vehicle capacity that remain parked and unused much of the day. This project uses a human-centered design approach to engage a community in Greater Minnesota with a population of less than 10,000 people to develop a pilot for rural community transit that could be a model for similar communities across the state. The research seeks to answer the question of whether a shared, mobility services approach to rural transit transportation in Greater Minnesota could meet people's needs at a lower cost, with more convenience, and with greater positive impacts on the local economy than current transit practices and services. Our research developed a menu of strategies that uses existing community assets to promote walking, biking, car sharing, bus sharing, and car and van pooling.
Southern Minnesota Rural Transit Origin, Destination, and Reservation Data (The ODR Data)
(2024-06-27) Khani, Alireza; Baek, Kwangho; baek0040@umn.edu; Baek, Kwangho; University of Minnesota Transit Lab
The ODR data provides detailed observations of six Southern Minnesota Transit Agencies' trip reservations and actual trips over two one-week periods, spanning both pre- and post-MaaS deployment phases. The collected features for the reservation-based services — demand-responsive transits, some ADA paratransits, and route deviations — included the following: date and time of phone call (ride requests) received or reservation reception time (RRT or call-in time), the request’s intended trip date, preferred departure time (PDT), scheduled departure time (SDT), actual pick-up time (APT), actual drop-off time (ADT), origin & destination (OD), fare type (cash, token, etc.), service type (paratransit, student, etc.), and some information on trip cancellations. On the other hand, the collected features for the fixed route buses include the number of boarding and alighting activities for each bus stop and the inferred timestamps. Some measures were taken to mask sensitive information.
Survey and Interviews on Contactless Payment for Western Minnesota Rural Transit
(2024-06-27) Khani, Alireza; DeBruin, Hannah; akhani@umn.edu; Khani, Alireza; University of Minnesota Transit Lab
The survey focuses on access and demographic disparities in the use of contactless fare payment and comfort/discomfort in using it in rural areas. Questions about passenger acceptance of technology, biases, and monetary capability were included to assess the magnitude of these challenges. Specifically, survey questions were developed to assess transit usage patterns throughout the pandemic, attitudes about COVID-19-related safety concerns, and fare payment. The first section of the survey includes questions about the frequency of transit use for different periods. This is then followed by questions about access to a smartphone, mobile data plan, and internet, along with the questions asking for sociodemographic information of respondents. The interviews focused on transit users' experience during and after the implementation of contactless fare payment. The passenger interview focused on the attitude towards the contactless fare payment.
Transfer Behavior and Off-Peak Commutes
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2024-10) Baek, Kwangho; Khani, Alireza
To improve transit service for off-peak travelers, an essential yet often underrepresented group, and promote social equity, this study examines off-peak transit commutes and transfers, with a focus on the transitway system in the Twin Cities. The research contrasts off-peak and peak travel behaviors using an onboard survey (OBS) from 2016 and automatic fare collection (AFC) data from 2018 to 2023. The initial analysis involved clustering trips from OBS into 16 regional zones and creating origin-destination matrices to explore spatial travel patterns. Key findings include longer peak-time trips (8.51 miles) compared to off-peak trips (5.74 miles) and a higher concentration of non-work trips during off-peak times. The study also reveals that off-peak trips are more dispersed geographically. In the second phase, path choice sets were generated for each respondent from OBS, and logistic regression models were used to analyze preferences for transitway versus bus-only routes. The results indicated a strong preference for transitways, with 60% of passengers opting for them over buses when travel times were equal. Finally, AFC data was integrated with OBS using machine learning techniques to examine long-term trends, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Post-pandemic data show an increase in off-peak commutes and transit trips with transfers despite an overall decline in transfers. This study provides insights into evolving transit usage behaviors and highlights the importance of the transitway system in facilitating efficient travel.

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