Sample Methodology
Each of the 16 groups determined their own subjective methodology for evaluating the bus stops. The categories for each stop were given (sidewalk condition, sign, bench, shelter, accessibility, etc).
*In evaluating all stops, the most common scale was used when possible. For several categories, more detailed subjective assessments were used by individual groups. However, less specific rankings were used to reconcile all the data.
Each group then decided on different sets of values for each stop. Below is the example of one exemplary group's methodology, broken down by category.
Transfers: We believe the presence of transfers makes the stops more efficient and integrated.
0= no transfers
1= 1 transfer
2= 2 transfers
3= >3 transfers
Width: We are considering ADA codes for measurements of width and passable area.
0= No paved sidewalk
1= <3' paved sidewalk
2= 3' minimum ADA paved sidewalk
3= >3' paved sidewalk allowing passing area
Condition: For this element we are looking at the safety of sidewalks adjacent to the bus stops.
0=No paved sidewalk
1=Rough, broken, unstable, non-flat and unsafe. Partially paved or gravel
2=Path is semi-usable with flat surface of mostly uncracked or undisturbed sidewalk
3=Fully smooth paved safe walk way
Bench: We believe the presence of benches is important for the comfort of the disabled, those with children, and the elderly, making the stop more appealing to these riders.
0=No bench present
1=stop provides 1 bench in poor condition (broken. Chipping paint, graffiti)
2=stop provides 2 benches in fair condition (bench shows some signs of wear, but useable)
3=stop provides 2+ benches in good (covered bench, paint and parts in place and clean)
Sign: The presence of a visible, easy to read sign with adequate information is crucial to helping riders utilize the public transportation system in Denver
0=No sign present
1=Stop provides a sign, but it is not easily visible, has graffiti, is broken, or contains no route information or further RTD info.
2=Sign is visible with some wear - provides minimum information for routes
3=Sign is easily visible, provides extensive route and RTD info - including map of route and times
Concrete pad: The sound condition of the concrete pad at the bus stop is important for the designed area where the bus pulls in to withstand the weight of a bus better than asphalt
0=No presence of a pad
1=Concrete pad is less than 12' in width and less than 80' in length. There is no separate travel lane for the bus top. There is a provision of less than 3' at the stop for the wheelchair access.
2=Concrete pad with a width of 12' and 80' in length. There is a slight separation between bus stop and travel lane. 3' provision at the stop for wheelchair lift.
3=Concrete pad is greater than 12' in width and 80' in length. There is a distinct separation between bus stop and travel lane. Provision of greater than 3' for wheelchair lift.
Shelter: For this category, we are rating the amount of protection (from the weather) that a passenger may have while waiting for the bus.
0=No sheltering structure present
1=Outdoor canopy
2=Full bus shelter in poor condition (in regards to strucutre, cleanliness, and maintenance)
3=Full bus shelter in good condition with clean, well-constructed and maintained shelter
Trashcan: Allowing for waste disposal at bus stops is very important, as it helps in decreasing the amount of littering that occurs at bus stops and on the bus itself. We are looking at both the availability and quality of trash receptacles.
0=No trashcan present
1=Presence of at least 1 receptacle but with no bag or in damaged condition
2=One enclosed receptacle in a usable condition to properly dispose of waste
3=>1 receptacle with the presence of a recycling can.
Lighting: A properly lit bus station we feel is key to safety and makes it more appealing to waiting passengers.
0=No lighting present
1=Light source is present but not functional
2=A small light source present and functional
3=>2 lighting sources that fully lights the stop and are full functioning
Accessibility
Curb ramp presence: We believe the presence of curbs and ramps is the key to accessibility. The conditions of the ramp constitute the ability to use the ramp for access, and it score. The mitigation of elevation change is the main issue evaluated here.
0=No existing curb, ramp or elevation change mechanism
1=Outdated, damaged, non functional curb or ramp (but does exist)
2=Acceptable, useable condition - curbs OR ramp present (or BOTH)
3=BOTH curb and ramp present. Good condition with easy and functional access
ADA accessibility: The main idea here is the ease at which a disabled person can access the stop. To address this, we feel we must look at: concrete pad for operating the wheelchair lift; adequate space for wheelchairs and motorized chairs to maneuver sufficiently.
0=No ADA accessibility
1=No real concrete pad, insufficient length/width for wheelchairs to maneuver, no real usable connections to streets and sidewalks
2=Some area for usable landing space for wheelchair lifts, usable area for chair maneuvers, and at least 1 connection to adjacent street or sidewalk
3=A firm stable surface as landing pad, adequate length (96 inches) and width (60 inches) for movement, and sufficient, safe connections to streets, sidewalks or pedestrian paths
Access from four sides: Access to bus stops is key, and we also believe visibility to the stop is important. With this, we attribute visibility in clear access from the four major points (N/S/E/W) for getting to the stop.
0=No viable access points
1=≥1 access point (free of any obstructions)
2=≥2 access points (free of any obstructions)
3= All 4 access point open and usable
Adjacent crosswalks: We believe the key elements to consider in this point are marking and materiality.
0=no delineation, marking or materiality
1= small, hard to see, existing; not difficult to see
2= adequate existing markings; not difficult to see
3=existing successful modernized markings and materiality that makes crosswalks attractive and easily used
Stoplight/Sign to Facilitate Access: For this caption we believe that the presence of signage, stoplight, and traffic control are the main things to address.
0=No signage, stoplight, or traffic control elements
1=small and hard to read signs, broken equipment, and lack of safety controls
2=existing lights and/or signs with satisfactory conditions
3=Animated signage, large-scale easy to read-to-read directions, and understood (and felt) safety with traffic control
Again, this is the example of how one group approached the data collection and assessment of the RTD bus stops.
*In evaluating all stops, the most common scale was used when possible. For several categories, more detailed subjective assessments were used by individual groups. However, less specific rankings were used to reconcile all the data.
Each group then decided on different sets of values for each stop. Below is the example of one exemplary group's methodology, broken down by category.
Transfers: We believe the presence of transfers makes the stops more efficient and integrated.
0= no transfers
1= 1 transfer
2= 2 transfers
3= >3 transfers
Width: We are considering ADA codes for measurements of width and passable area.
0= No paved sidewalk
1= <3' paved sidewalk
2= 3' minimum ADA paved sidewalk
3= >3' paved sidewalk allowing passing area
Condition: For this element we are looking at the safety of sidewalks adjacent to the bus stops.
0=No paved sidewalk
1=Rough, broken, unstable, non-flat and unsafe. Partially paved or gravel
2=Path is semi-usable with flat surface of mostly uncracked or undisturbed sidewalk
3=Fully smooth paved safe walk way
Bench: We believe the presence of benches is important for the comfort of the disabled, those with children, and the elderly, making the stop more appealing to these riders.
0=No bench present
1=stop provides 1 bench in poor condition (broken. Chipping paint, graffiti)
2=stop provides 2 benches in fair condition (bench shows some signs of wear, but useable)
3=stop provides 2+ benches in good (covered bench, paint and parts in place and clean)
Sign: The presence of a visible, easy to read sign with adequate information is crucial to helping riders utilize the public transportation system in Denver
0=No sign present
1=Stop provides a sign, but it is not easily visible, has graffiti, is broken, or contains no route information or further RTD info.
2=Sign is visible with some wear - provides minimum information for routes
3=Sign is easily visible, provides extensive route and RTD info - including map of route and times
Concrete pad: The sound condition of the concrete pad at the bus stop is important for the designed area where the bus pulls in to withstand the weight of a bus better than asphalt
0=No presence of a pad
1=Concrete pad is less than 12' in width and less than 80' in length. There is no separate travel lane for the bus top. There is a provision of less than 3' at the stop for the wheelchair access.
2=Concrete pad with a width of 12' and 80' in length. There is a slight separation between bus stop and travel lane. 3' provision at the stop for wheelchair lift.
3=Concrete pad is greater than 12' in width and 80' in length. There is a distinct separation between bus stop and travel lane. Provision of greater than 3' for wheelchair lift.
Shelter: For this category, we are rating the amount of protection (from the weather) that a passenger may have while waiting for the bus.
0=No sheltering structure present
1=Outdoor canopy
2=Full bus shelter in poor condition (in regards to strucutre, cleanliness, and maintenance)
3=Full bus shelter in good condition with clean, well-constructed and maintained shelter
Trashcan: Allowing for waste disposal at bus stops is very important, as it helps in decreasing the amount of littering that occurs at bus stops and on the bus itself. We are looking at both the availability and quality of trash receptacles.
0=No trashcan present
1=Presence of at least 1 receptacle but with no bag or in damaged condition
2=One enclosed receptacle in a usable condition to properly dispose of waste
3=>1 receptacle with the presence of a recycling can.
Lighting: A properly lit bus station we feel is key to safety and makes it more appealing to waiting passengers.
0=No lighting present
1=Light source is present but not functional
2=A small light source present and functional
3=>2 lighting sources that fully lights the stop and are full functioning
Accessibility
Curb ramp presence: We believe the presence of curbs and ramps is the key to accessibility. The conditions of the ramp constitute the ability to use the ramp for access, and it score. The mitigation of elevation change is the main issue evaluated here.
0=No existing curb, ramp or elevation change mechanism
1=Outdated, damaged, non functional curb or ramp (but does exist)
2=Acceptable, useable condition - curbs OR ramp present (or BOTH)
3=BOTH curb and ramp present. Good condition with easy and functional access
ADA accessibility: The main idea here is the ease at which a disabled person can access the stop. To address this, we feel we must look at: concrete pad for operating the wheelchair lift; adequate space for wheelchairs and motorized chairs to maneuver sufficiently.
0=No ADA accessibility
1=No real concrete pad, insufficient length/width for wheelchairs to maneuver, no real usable connections to streets and sidewalks
2=Some area for usable landing space for wheelchair lifts, usable area for chair maneuvers, and at least 1 connection to adjacent street or sidewalk
3=A firm stable surface as landing pad, adequate length (96 inches) and width (60 inches) for movement, and sufficient, safe connections to streets, sidewalks or pedestrian paths
Access from four sides: Access to bus stops is key, and we also believe visibility to the stop is important. With this, we attribute visibility in clear access from the four major points (N/S/E/W) for getting to the stop.
0=No viable access points
1=≥1 access point (free of any obstructions)
2=≥2 access points (free of any obstructions)
3= All 4 access point open and usable
Adjacent crosswalks: We believe the key elements to consider in this point are marking and materiality.
0=no delineation, marking or materiality
1= small, hard to see, existing; not difficult to see
2= adequate existing markings; not difficult to see
3=existing successful modernized markings and materiality that makes crosswalks attractive and easily used
Stoplight/Sign to Facilitate Access: For this caption we believe that the presence of signage, stoplight, and traffic control are the main things to address.
0=No signage, stoplight, or traffic control elements
1=small and hard to read signs, broken equipment, and lack of safety controls
2=existing lights and/or signs with satisfactory conditions
3=Animated signage, large-scale easy to read-to-read directions, and understood (and felt) safety with traffic control
Again, this is the example of how one group approached the data collection and assessment of the RTD bus stops.