Exploring the link between regional transportation governance and outcomes: A novel measure of polycentricity in metropolitan public transportation systems

Lack of reliable and valid measures of the polycentricity of public transportation systems impedes our ability to understand its impact on key system performance indicators. We use data from four U.S. metropolitan regions to measure polycentricity using an index of concentration based on providers' policymaking zones. We discuss the measure's validity and reliability, and describe its potential application. Our proposed index will allow explo-ration of efficiency and equity outcomes relating to transit operations both in the U.S. and internationally.

Automated summary

The lack of reliable and valid measures to assess the polycentricity of public transportation systems hinders our understanding of its impact on key system performance indicators. To address this issue, we propose an index of concentration based on providers' policymaking zones, using data from four U.S. metropolitan regions. We discuss the validity and reliability of the proposed measure and its potential application in exploring efficiency and equity outcomes of transit operations, both nationally and internationally.