User preference may influence implementation of large-scale transit electrification

When it comes to advances in mass transit, researchers must think beyond the implementation of the technology itself and consider what it will take to get the public to use it.

Lyles School of Civil Engineering Professor Konstantina “Nadia” Gkritza’s research team has partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy and Utah State University to study and break down the technical barriers to large-scale transit electrification. The project is titled “Increasing Affordability, Energy Efficiency, and Ridership of Transit Bus Systems through Large-Scale Electrification.”

“As we get closer and closer to the implementation of electric mass transit vehicles, such as buses, we need to learn how likely the public will utilize them and what can be done to increase the public’s perception and usage,” Gkritza said. “Electric buses and other greener options are all great for the environment, but they will not generate as many benefits if people don’t use them.”

To tackle this dilemma, the multi-organization project aims to address electric bus infrastructure planning, smart operations, energy-efficient route optimization and grid impact analysis, as well as aspects of public utilization such as travel behavior study and new mobility integration. Collaborators include the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, Utah Transit Authority, the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon and PacifiCorp.

Currently, the Purdue team is addressing opportunities for public utilization by identifying and surveying both public transit users and non-users, and articulating policy implications and recommendations for a wider adoption of electric buses.

“I feel like the technology and industry support is there but what’s really preventing us from achieving our goals is human preferences,” Gkritza said. “We really need to identify what must be done to achieve a higher user rate, whether it be incentivizing users, bringing down costs or creating easier and affordable access.”

Research team member and civil engineering master’s student Jonathon Sinton said the team aims to target public transit users first, then survey more of the public to gain a better idea of what can be done.

“The overall goal is to learn what is important to them and what their concerns and preferences are,” Sinton said. “Electric public transportation is just starting to be implemented in this country and it will likely continue. We need to find out how to make it effective.”

The research is affiliated with the Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification (ASPIRE) center. ASPIRE is designated as an Engineering Research Center (ERC), the National Science Foundation’s flagship program for transformative multi-institutional research. It is one of four new ERCs announced in August 2020.

ASPIRE is the only ERC dedicated to advancing sustainable transportation. ASPIRE is responsible for developing a broad set of solutions for zero-emissions transportation systems that improve air quality, enhance economic prosperity and impact thousands of students and businesses through workforce development and R&D opportunities. After 10 years, it is anticipated to achieve graduated status and will continue as a self-sustaining research center.