This guidebook describes how to create a comprehensive framework for evaluating the full impacts ... more This guidebook describes how to create a comprehensive framework for evaluating the full impacts (benefits and costs) of a particular transit service or improvement. It identifies various categories of impacts and how to measure them. It discusses best practices for transit evaluation and identifies common errors that distort results. It discusses the travel impacts of various types of transit system changes and incentives. It describes ways to optimize transit benefits by increasing system efficiency, increasing ridership and creating more transit oriented land use patterns. It compares automobile and transit costs, and the advantages and disadvantages of bus and rail transit. It includes examples of transit evaluation, and provides extensive references. Many of the techniques in this guide can be used to evaluate other modes, such as ridesharing, cycling and walking.
This paper describes indicators for evaluating the quality of public transport services provided ... more This paper describes indicators for evaluating the quality of public transport services provided to people with disabilities and other special needs, suitable for use in developing countries. It discusses the concept of 'inclusive design,' identifies suitable indicators, discusses factors to consider when selecting indicators, describes examples of indicators currently in use, and provides recommendations for selecting and using indicators.
This paper evaluates the overall safety of public transit, taking into account all risks, includi... more This paper evaluates the overall safety of public transit, taking into account all risks, including recent terrorist attacks. It indicates that transit is an extremely safe mode, with total per passenger-mile fatality rates approximately one-tenth that of automobile travel. It is important for individuals and public officials to avoid overreacting to terrorist threats in ways that increase overall danger. Transit terrorism would cause more total casualties and harm to society if individuals respond to attacks by shifting from public transit to less safe modes, or if decision makers respond by reducing support for public transit.
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Papers by Todd Litman