Trip Generation Study of Passenger Rail Station at Providence, Rhode Island

Abstract

The results of a comprehensive trip generation study of the Providence Railroad Station in Providence, Rhode Island, are presented. The results include the monitoring of vehicular traffic approaching and departing on streets adjacent to the station and making stops for arriving or departing rail transit passengers. Daily train schedules were obtained for each observation period to determine the number of train stops per day (an independent variable). Social and environmental effects that could influence transit ridership (holidays, weather, and so forth) were noted. Finally, the characteristics that define the station and the community it services were researched and presented. It was found that the peak period for vehicular traffic generated by the station occurred on Monday mornings when commuter peak hour occurred combined with interstate Amtrak train service. The trip generation data resulting from the study can be used to make general predictions regarding trip generation trends at other rail transit stations that have similar service and environmental characteristics. The trip generation report will also contribute to the ongoing research necessary to develop accurate trip generation estimates for railroad stations.