  In this paper, a new methodology, journey-based equity analysis, is presented
for measuring the equity of transit convenience between income groups. Two data
sources are combined in the proposed transit equity analysis: on-board
ridership surveys and passenger origin-destination data. The spatial unit of
our proposed transit equity analysis is census blocks, which are relatively
stable over time and allows an exploration of the data that is granular enough
to make conclusions about the service convenience various communities are
facing. A case study in the Greater Boston area using real data from the
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) bus network demonstrates a
significant difference in transit service convenience, measured by number of
transfers per unit distance, transfer wait time and travel time per unit
distance, between low-income riders and high income riders. Implications of
analysis results to transit agencies are also discussed.
