Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

5-2022

School/College

College of Science, Engineering, and Technology (COSET)

Degree Name

MS in Transportation Planning & Management

Committee Chairperson

Gwendolyn Goodwin

Committee Member 1

Mehdi Azimi

Committee Member 2

Carol Lewis

Committee Member 3

Ayodotun Sodipe

Keywords

Airport, Employment, Low-income, Neighbourhood, Transit, Transportation

Abstract

Public transportation is part of the economic and social fabric of metropolitan areas, especially to low-income individuals who are often totally dependent on these services for their daily activities. In Houston Texas, this is made possible through the region's system of highway transit centers and other transportation options such as MetroBus and MetroRail. The role that transits plays in the connection between residential locations and employment opportunities is crucial in creating and implementing programs that will improve and maintain transit and ownership options available to vulnerable segments of Metropolitan residents. This study proposes the use of qualitative research methodology to assess the Accessibility and efficiency of transit to a target population. Conventional wisdom suggests that the increasing decentralization of population and employment in US metropolitan areas is to blame for declining public transit mode shares and deteriorating system productivity. Proponents of this view assert that transit performs best when it connects suburbs to central business districts in more centralized urban environments. This paper also analyzes the socio-demographic characteristics of low-income individuals, job availability at the airport and evaluates existing connections by car and public transport between the Alief community and the George Bush Intercontinental Airport. It highlights the importance of promoting investment in public transportation, which would yield higher benefits to the low-income population by helping them to reach job opportunities.

Download

Share

COinS