Capacity

Date: July 26, 2008
Time: 9:00 PM
Place: Kitchen

I live in the Bronx and I usually take the #4 train. This train is so overcrowded in the morining and late afternoon. Sometimes I have to wait for 1 or 2 trains to pass before I can squeeze on one of them.

Applying the 4 capacity considerations:

1. Forecast demand accuratley- I know that the MTA tracks hourly ridership. This is one of the reasons why they keeping raising the fare price. I bet a simple time series model helps them forcast ridership.

2. Understand the technology and capacity increments- This is the area where the MTA needs to work on. They are aware of ridership patterns, yet more trains need to arrive in the stations during rush hour.

3. Find the optimum level- The MTA is aware of how many people can fit in a train. Packing people inside like a can of sardines is beyond the optimal level.

4. Build for change- The MTA is responding to demands by building a new subway line on the east side.