Challenge
Kittelson and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) both believe that a truly livable city is not one where a single congestion metric tells the whole story. Rather, it is one where the transportation system supply and demand is thoughtfully monitored and managed so that its various modes are part of a flexible, connected, and efficient network of options. The shared goals of Kittelson and DDOT were to define urban multimodal mobility and to communicate the complexities of multimodal data analytics and assessment.
Solution
Kittelson, in collaboration with DDOT, led the District Mobility Project, a comprehensive assessment of the District’s multimodal transportation system. Kittelson led a multi-talented team in the identification, development, and realization of new, cutting-edge tools for measuring multimodal mobility, visualizing results, and assessing impacts of various forms of mobility in the District. Kittelson directed the analysis and reporting for each of the performance measures, working directly with INRIX and Transit AVL and APC data sets. In addition, the project team leveraged graphic design concepts and web-based tools to develop a dynamic website that stimulates and engage users while telling the multimodal mobility story.
The Outcome
Dynamic Tool Illuminates DC Multimodal Mobility
Through an extensive literature review, research, and assessment of available data sources, three major categories of multimodal mobility were defined: congestion, reliability, and accessibility. Performance metrics quantifying key elements of the transportation system were defined within each mobility category. In addition, Kittelson developed a streamlined methodology to create and analyze the Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress network through DDOT’s GIS Roads & Highways database.
