Regularity analysis for optimizing urban transit network design
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2009
Subject Area
planning - network design, ridership - commuting, place - urban
Abstract
Transit network planners often propose network structures that either assume a certain level of regularity or are even especially focused on improving service reliability, such as networks in which parts of lines share a common route or the introduction of short-turn services. The key idea is that travelers on that route will have a more frequent transit service. The impact of such network designs on service regularity is rarely analyzed in a quantitative way. This paper presents a tool that can be used to assess the impact of network changes on the regularity on a transit route and on the level of transit demand. The tool can use actual data on the punctuality of the transit system. The application of such a tool is illustrated in two ways. A case study on introducing coordinated services shows that the use of such a tool leads to more realistic estimates than the traditional approach. Second, a set of graphs is developed which can be used for a quick scan when considering network changes. These graphs can be used to assess the effect of coordinating the schedules and of improving the punctuality.
Recommended Citation
van Oort, N., & van Nes, R. (2009). Regularity analysis for optimizing urban transit network design. Journal of Public Transport, Vol. 1, Issue 2, Pp. 155-168.
