A TALE OF TWO REGIONS: LINKING THE TRANSIT BUILT ENVIRONMENT TO HEALTH OUTCOMES
BACKGROUND
Studies have shown that transportation and infrastructure investments enhancing active transportation can affect people’s travel and physical activity behavior. Within this context, TransLink, the regional transportation authority for Metro Vancouver, is investigating the relationship between living in proximity to the region’s Frequent Transit Network (FTN)* and health outcomes.

Previous studies conducted within Metro Vancouver inform this research. TransLink (1) found that 38% of those living in proximity to the FTN used sustainable transportation** for all trips, about twice as much as those living beyond the FTN (18%). Another collaborative study (3) investigating the relationship between built environment and health outcomes reveals that people living in highly walkable areas are less likely to be obese and less likely to have a diagnosed chronic disease. Other research (2) suggests using active transportation modes for commuting decreases the odds of being overweight or obese by 33% compared to commuting by car.

This study expands previous findings by exploring whether health outcomes are better for people living within proximity to the FTN compared to those living outside the FTN. It applies health-based evidence to transportation planning, decision making and policy development by helping to understand:
• socio-demographic differences of those living inside vs. outside the FTN
• health benefits associated with living near FTN
• if living near the FTN is associated with certain types of lifestyle/travel behavior

METHODOLGY
The study uses 2014 MHMC survey data (4), representing 28,000 Metro Vancouver residents aged 18+. The data provides detailed information about lifestyle, health, well-being and neighborhood characteristics. This dataset is combined with GIS-polygon data representing the 2014 FTN by respondent postal code. This allows for investigating how health outcomes might associate with the presence/absence of frequent transit services within walking distance*** of a residence.

Frequency analysis is used to describe demographics, self-reported health status, lifestyle and built environment of those living within and outside the FTN. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression is applied to investigate the relationship between proximity to the FTN and health/lifestyle factors with adjustments for socio-economic variables. For both analyses, people living within the FTN are further separated into those living near rapid-rail FTN vs. bus-based FTN.

FINDINGS
Preliminary results suggest people living within the FTN are less likely to be obese and have higher odds of walking more than 30min for commuting compared to those living outside the FTN. However, results also reveal higher odds of mental health issues for those living within the FTN. Furthermore, these relationships are more pronounced for people living close to the rapid-rail FTN compared to bus-based FTN. The research will be completed by September 2019 and detailed final results will be available for this conference.

CONCLUSION
The research objective is to investigate whether living near the FTN is associated with health outcomes. The study applies cross-sectional data and therefore cannot provide evidence that living near the FTN causes an improvement in health outcome. Other factors not included in the MHMC survey affecting health outcomes, e.g. air or noise pollution, are not considered. Preliminary results reveal positive and some negative health outcomes associated with living close to the FTN.

*FTN is a network of corridors along which transit service is provided at least every 15min (both directions) throughout the day and evening, seven days a week.
**walking, cycling or transit
***800m - rapid transit station; 400m - frequent bus-corridor (crow flies).

Presenter: Nicole Geitebruegge
Agency Affiliation: TransLink (South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority)

Presenter Biographical Statement: [biography]