Multimodal Level of Service Methodologies: Evaluation of the Multimodal Performance of Arterial Corridors

Abstract

The principal objective of this research is to evaluate the multimodal performance of arterial corridors using currently available multimodal level of service (MMLOS) methodologies. Eight different MMLOS approaches are applied to a case study using an arterial corridor section in Austin, Texas. The methodologies applied are: Highway Capacity Manual; Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual; Charlotte, NC, Urban Street Design Guidelines; pedestrian and bicycle environmental quality indices; assessment of level of traffic stress; bicycle compatibility index; deficiency index; and Walk Score®, Bike Score®, and Transit Score®. The analysis is focused on the assessment of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit modes. The methodologies are evaluated and contrasted. The paper provides a comprehensive review of the current state of practice of multimodal evaluation and recommendations about the most appropriate approaches to assess multimodal performance of arterial corridors.