Abstract
Increasing the efficiency of bus transit remains to be a challenge of urban transportation. Since the optimization of bus routes and their frequencies is significant for transit efficiency, this study aims to develop two data envelopment analysis (DEA) models using network epsilon-based measures (NEBMs). The first NEBM model adopts twelve indicators to evaluate the rationality of the route network design; the second NEBM model uses nine indicators to evaluate the efficiency of the frequency setting. Both NEBM models can simultaneously consider radial and nonradial inputs and outputs and dig into details of the “input/output transformation box.” Finally, the bus transit system of Nanjing in China is used as a case study. Results show that the overall efficiency of network route design is higher than that of frequency setting. According to comparisons between descriptive statistics of the top and bottom performers, inefficiency causes of bottom performers are identified and corresponding improvement measures are suggested. The proposed models are helpful for the development of bus transit systems and can be applied on a yearly/monthly basis.
Highlights
A high-quality bus transit system will attract urban citizens to use, which helps to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce air pollution, and promote social fairness
Bus passengers decreased by 3% in 2017, the number of buses increased by 7% and the operating mileage increased by 9% [1]
Two of the conventional data envelopment analysis (DEA) models are the CCR model developed by Charnes, Cooper, and Rhodes in 1978 and the BCC model developed by Banker, Charnes, and Cooper in 1984 [9]
Summary
A high-quality bus transit system will attract urban citizens to use, which helps to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce air pollution, and promote social fairness. Urban land use and travel patterns are changing every day. A large number of urban rail transit systems have been put into operation, serving more and more residents. The development of bus transit system in China is facing enormous challenges. According to Statistical Bulletin of China Ministry of Transport, the number of bus passengers has been declining for three consecutive years. Bus passengers decreased by 3% in 2017, the number of buses increased by 7% and the operating mileage increased by 9% [1]. Transit agencies are gradually aware of the importance of improving bus networks to accommodate new travel patterns and coordinate with urban rail transit. Most bus networks evolve based on historical development and rarely undergo major changes for decades. Lack of clear-cut and comprehensive methods to evaluate the “goodness” of bus routes is hinderance to changes of bus routes
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