Use of General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) Data in Analyzing Transportation Barriers Faced by Housing Voucher Holders

• Activity Number: 696
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Thursday, August 8, 2013 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
• Sponsor: Social Statistics Section
• Author(s): Peter K. Kwok*+ and Julia Rotondo
• Companies: NORC at the University of Chicago and NORC at the University of Chicago
• Keywords: Public Transportation ; Public Housing ; Network Analysis ; Transportation Connectivity

Abstract

General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) is a standardized format for public transportation timetables and locating information. Since its introduction in the mid-2000's, GTFS has become a popular choice of data specification by nearly 200 transit agencies in the U.S. While it is long known that people with disadvantaged socio-economic status tend to rely on public transportation, the potential of using GTFS data in analyzing social problems has been relatively unstudied. In this case study, we attempt to assess the non-financial aspect of transportation barriers faced by housing voucher holders by analyzing the geographic coverage and service frequencies of bus routes. In particular, we use the Housing Choice Voucher program by the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) as an example. This program allows the voucher holders to rent eligible apartments located in "allowable" tracts, mainly in the neighboring counties of Baltimore City. By analyzing the locations of the current HABC residential facilities in relation to bus routes, we illustrate some of the challenges current HABC residents and potential voucher holders may encounter when re-locating.