Transit Part 6: Defining and Using Geo Codes

A Geo Code, as I am using the term in this document, is a way to refer to a geographic area that is defined by specific boundaries.  Dividing a transit providers overall service area into geo code areas can be a valuable tool to assist in defining where hubs will be located, and what area each hub will provide service to.

Transit Part 6: Selecting Hub Locations within the Service Area

Hubs should be located near the DRIVING CENTER of each local area they serve.  The driving center of a hub is determined by the average normal travel time from the proposed Hub location to the outer most address served by that Hub.  The Driving Center will not always be the same as the geographic center.

Transit Part 6: Twelve Station Hub

For the 12-station hub, it would be possible to use a 6-sided hub facility.

Transit Part 6: Eight Station Hub

For an eight-station hub to maintain the recommended 3 to 1 ratio, there will need to be two stations for Transfer buses and six stations for the three other types of bus routes.

Transit Part 6: Four Station Hub

As stated earlier, a four station hub will have one station for transfer buses and the other three stations will be used by the other three types of bus routes.

Transit Part 6: Key Hub Features

Within the current para-transit industry, there are times when a driver is taking a passenger to the edge of a service area because the passenger is traveling into the area covered by a different provider.  Currently, the driver of one area must sit and wait for the driver from the other area to arrive so that a “hand-to-hand” transfer of the passenger can be made.  This is required because there are so many valid reasons why para-transit passengers cannot be left alone at one of these transfer points.

Transit Part 6: Hub Design and Operation

First, let’s clarify 4 more terms as they relate to the lift used by Buses to load wheelchairs onto and off of the Bus.