Increasing numbers of transportation network company (TNC) trips—such as taxi, Uber, and Lyft—have led to increased demand for loading and unloading curb spots in Seattle. In this study, researchers are gathering data about passenger load zone use and local traffic impacts in a 15-block area before and after a curb allocation change in the South Lake Union area of Seattle. Two blocks of curbs along Boren Avenue currently designated for paid parking will be reallocated for passenger loading from 8:00 to 10:00 am and from 2:00 to 6:00 pm on weekdays. Researchers will collect data by video, pavement sensors, and manually to measure passenger loading zone activity and their effects on passing traffic. They will use the collected data to evaluate curb use changes, impacts on TNC demand and operation, impacts on traffic, including traffic flow and travel times, impacts on safety, passenger and driver experience, and parking compliance. The methodology demonstrated in this evaluation should help the Seattle Department of Transportation better understand and plan for the impacts of changes in curb parking designation.
Principal Investigator: Anne V. Goodchild, Civil and Environmental Engineering, UW
Sponsors:
Challenge Seattle
Seattle Department of Transportation
King County Metro
Sound Transit
Scheduled completion: June 2019