Intermodal Transfers to Light Rail: Using smartcard data to estimate transfer barriers in Seattle, WA

Abstract

Transfers are a necessary inconvenience to public transit riders. They support strong hierarchical networks by connecting various local, regional, and express lines through a variety of modes. This is true in Seattle where many lines were redrawn to feed into the Link Light Rail network. Previous studies using surveys found that perceived safety, distance, and personal health were considerable predictors of transfers. This study aims to use smartcard data and generalized linear modeling to estimate which elements of transfers are commonly overcome – and which are not – among riders boarding the Link Light Rail in Seattle and its suburbs. In this process, this study also seeks to elicit any equity implications about these barriers by comparing transfer counts with the characteristics of ridership of the destination stations and origin lines. The results of this modeling suggest broad agreement with previous studies on transfers, specifically identifying distance and perceived safety as key determinants of transfers.