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Multimodal Network Analysis

Definition

Multimodal network analysis studies transportation systems that combine modes—walking, cycling, bus, rail, car, ferries—within a single graph. Nodes and edges carry mode-specific attributes (speed, cost, transfers, accessibility) and temporal schedules. Analyses compute door-to-door travel times, reliability under disruptions, and equity of access for different populations. Transfers are critical: dwell times, platform changes, and bike/parking availability can dominate trips. Scenario modeling tests frequency improvements or new connections. Data sources include GTFS for transit, street networks for walking/cycling, and live telemetry for congestion. Accessibility measures (isochrones, 2SFCA) express opportunity reach by mode and time of day. Scenario tools that allow non-experts to drag frequencies or add links foster better participatory planning. Scenario tools that allow non-experts to drag frequencies or add links foster better participatory planning. Publishing GTFS snapshots with hashes allows others to reproduce analyses even after timetables change. Publishing GTFS snapshots with hashes allows others to reproduce analyses even after timetables change. Publishing GTFS snapshots with hashes allows others to reproduce analyses even after timetables change. Publishing GTFS snapshots with hashes allows others to reproduce analyses even after timetables change.

Application

Cities plan integrated mobility, evaluate transit deserts, and prioritize last-mile improvements. Employers model commute impacts of office moves. Event organizers simulate crowd flows. Emergency planners test evacuation routes that mix modes under constraints.

FAQ

How is routing different across modes?

Costs and constraints vary—pedestrians prefer safety and slopes; cyclists avoid high-traffic links; transit depends on schedules. A unified graph encodes these differences.

How to handle transfers realistically?

Model walk times, wait distributions, and reliability; add penalties for complex interchanges; and include real-time disruptions when available.

Can equity be measured?

Yes—compare accessible jobs or services within 30–45 minutes across neighborhoods and demographics; highlight gaps for policy action.

What about data freshness?

Transit schedules and bike-share availability change frequently. Automate updates and timestamp outputs so decisions use current data.