Hussein, Samah (Virginia Tech), Abbas, Montasir (Virginia Tech)

A Comparative Analysis of Campus Transit with Pre and Post-Pandemic Perspectives

Scheduled for presentation during the Poster Session "Modeling and Optimization of Mobility and Transport Systems " (ThBT14), Thursday, September 26, 2024, 14:30−16:30, Foyer

2024 IEEE 27th International Conference on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSC), September 24- 27, 2024, Edmonton, Canada

This information is tentative and subject to change. Compiled on October 8, 2024

Abstract

This research introduces a modeling framework that examines pedestrian movements toward a bus stop on the Virginia Tech campus. It considers Bus capacity and social distancing strategies, and compares the current normal situation with the potential implications in the event of a pandemic return. Employing pedestrian and bus movement simulations, the study develops a pedestrian modeling framework using Vissim to evaluate two scenarios. The pre-pandemic scenario represents the baseline conditions before the pandemic, characterized by the absence of social distancing measures and bus capacity protocols. Pandemic Scenario with Applied Protocols considers the application of pandemic-specific protocols, including social distancing and bus capacity measures. A study site on a College Campus (Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, USA) has been selected to illustrate simulation for the study of pedestrian behavior at Burrus bus stop's waiting area during a certain time of a working day, assuming classes will continue in person during the pandemic. The results indicated that enhancing bus scheduling, particularly by increasing the frequency, has positive effects on pedestrian movements. This is evident in improvements in both travel time and pedestrian density, even when considering social distancing measures. The results of the simulation provide insights into the impacts that social distance and bus capacity regulations have on Pedestrians' Density and Travel Time.