Indicator ST.2.c Local transit service frequency, morning peak commute
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Data Source
The map was obtained from the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) and was included in a 2007 presentation by the SFMTA's Transit Effectiveness Project (TEP). The presentation is available online (accessed September 2009). As indicated on the map, the data reflects 2006-2007 conditions, prior to the addition of the T Third Line to the system.
Explanation and Limitations
A public transit service headway reflects the amount of time that passes between a transit vehicle (in this case SFMTA bus or rail vehicle) arriving at a transit stop. The above map reflects this data at the street or rail segment level (i.e., can include multiple service lines) during the morning commute (AM Peak) period. As indicated in the above map, the data reflects conditions in 2006-2007, prior to the introduction of the T-Third line in San Francisco. Detailed information regarding current SFMTA routes and schedules can be accessed on sfmta.com.
Frequency of transit service is an important predictor of whether people rely on and use public transit for transportation, particularly as an alternative to driving. Additional factors include public transit service reliability, availability, reliability, price, safety, comfort and accessibility.
Why is this a Community Health Indicator?
Frequency of public transit service is an important predictor of whether people use and rely on transit as an alternative to driving alone for daily trips. Shifts from driving to transit use can decrease vehicle miles travelled at a regional level - with potential health benefits including reductions in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions as well as injuries and deaths in motor vehicle collisions. At a local level, increases in transit use and decreases in personal vehicle trips can reduce local traffic volumes and benefit local air quality, reduce traffic related noise levels, and decrease traffic hazards to pedestrians and bicyclists. Shifts to transit from driving also support increases in physical activity through walking and biking trips to get to transit, and its related benefits to mental health. Safe, quality public transportation systems also support social interaction and community cohesion.a
Litman T. Public Transportation and Health (Chapter 3). In: Healthy, Equitable Transportation Policy: Recommendations and Research. PolicyLink, Prevention Institute, Convergence Partnership. Ed. Shireen Malekafzali. 2009. Accessed online September 2009.