1.1 Problem Statement

While experiencing population growth, urban cities struggle with meeting the transportation needs of its citizens. Many current transportation methods are not evolving with the needs of its residents, therefore creating opportunities for effective and innovative options in transportation systems.

1.2 Opportunity Statement

There is an opportunity through contextual research to determine how growing cities can effectively meet the transportation needs of its residents.

1.1 How might we describe transportation system and commuter issues?

1.2 How might we describe the experience for the people who commute with public transportation daily?

1.3 How might we describe current road systems for public transportation? 

1.4 What services does a city’s Department of Transportation provide?

2.1 How might we describe the relationship between public transportation and local traffic conditions?

2.2 How might we describe the relationship between public transportation and local pedestrians or bike riders?

2.3 How might we describe the relationship between sharable scooters and other public Transportation?

3.1 How might we optimize the operating hours of public transportation?

3.2 How do we capture the demand for public transportation?

4.1 How might we describe the process of running a successful public transportation in other cities?

4.2 What are examples of successful transportation methods that meet the needs of a city ’s residents? Are these traditional or innovative?

4.3 What are the examples of innovative transportation systems that growing cities may want to consider offering its residents?

4.1 Research Protocol

This research includes ethnographic, secondary, and primary research methods regarding public transportation. Ethnography helps us gain a deeper understanding of people and cultures, in which the researchers observe the social activities from the viewpoint of the subject. Secondary research consists of the review and synthesis of current research and primary research. It also includes ethnography, subject interviews in this study. Therefore, this combination of methodologies helps to analyze the problem statement and answer the umbrella questions.

4.2 Research Methods

Ethnography: fly on the wall, observations, behavior mapping, shadowing, and participant observation

Secondary: online research collection and analysis, literature reviews

Primary:in-person interviews and surveys

          Site Visits

• Local subway stations
  

• Train stations

• College campus
  

• City parks
  

• Stadiums 
  

• Locations where large events or music festivals can be held
  

• Town Hall
  

• Department of transportation
  

• Beltline
  

• Marta Offices

      Participants

• Bus riders
  

• Dirvers
  

• Scooter-riders
  

• Local residents
  

• Daily Commuters with public transportation

• Vehicle owners

  
  

      Influencers / Stakeholders

• Local governmental officials in leadership of transportation (current/retired)

• Commuters
  

• Department of transportation
  

• Beltline representative
  

• Marta representative