Timetable-based operation in urban transport: Run-time optimisation and improvements in the operating process
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2011
Subject Area
mode - bus, place - europe, operations - reliability, technology - intelligent transport systems
Keywords
Timetables, Run times, Punctuality, Bus transportation, Software development, Control and improvement
Abstract
Urban public transit provides an efficient means of mobility and helps support social development and environmental preservation. To avoid loss of ridership, transit authorities have focussed on improving the punctuality of routes that operate using timetables. This paper presents a new approach to generating run-time values that is based on analytical development and micro simulations. The work utilizes previous research (described herein) and the experience acquired by Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) in operating bus routes based on timetables. Using a sample of historical data, the method used for generating run-time values consists of the following steps: purging and screening atypical trips, based on the consideration of confidence intervals for median trips; segmenting the day into time bands based on the introduction of a new hierarchical classification algorithm; creating initial run-time values based on criteria derived from statistical analysis; adjusting and validating initial run-time values using micro simulations; and evaluating incident-recovery times at the end of trips in order to guarantee the punctual departure of the next trip in the vehicle schedule. To favour service improvement, we also introduced certain indicators that can identify the root causes of non-compliance. As a final step, in order to ensure the applicability and use of the model, we promoted the development of our model within the framework of the HASTUS™ software solution.
Rights
Permission to publish the abstract has been given by Elsevier, copyright remains with them.
Recommended Citation
Salicrú, M., Fleurent, C., & Armengol, J.M. (2011). Timetable-based operation in urban transport: Run-time optimisation and improvements in the operating process. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Article in Press, Corrected Proof.
Comments
Transportation Research Part A Home Page:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09658564