Abstract
Even-headway timetables with easy to memorize departure times are commonly in use in public transport (PT) service. In addition, some PT services are using timetables where their departure times are based on even-passenger-load at the max-load stop along the route. In practice, these two types of timetables are implemented in daily operation plans, allowing for their merits, with the former maintaining the initial, even-interval departure rules and conventions, especially when a new PT line is planned without available demand information, while the latter is demand-oriented, exhibiting fluctuation in time and space. The principles of creating the aforementioned timetables have been presented in the literature, but very few evaluations feasibly attest to performance by means of mathematical analysis. Concentrating on building a modelling framework for PT timetabling problems during the planning stage, this work is taking into account 1) passengers' service-frequency satisfaction, in terms of waiting times, 2) passengers' perception of riding comfort, in terms of seat availability, and 3) planned passengers' load ratio (concerning vehicle's capacity) linked with operation efficiency. Yielding to the models developed in a theoretical manner, the comparative evaluation is conducted through multiple timetable schemes that include four different dimensions: (A) even-headway departures with same headway throughout the time horizon, (B) even-load departures with same load throughout the time horizon, (C) even-headway departures for each demand-dependent period, and (D) even-load departures for each demand-dependent period. Finally, a case study in Nantong, China examines the comparison performances produced and the best plans for operational timetables. The results indicate that travelers attributed great importance to higher satisfaction preferences on frequency or headway-related experience linked with their waiting time.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
