Evaluation of Bus Service Reliability Based on AVL Information

Abstract

This study proposes the concept of Reliability Composite Index of Service (RCIS), starts with the analysis of Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) data, then chooses three performance parameters to describe bus service reliability: Punctuality Index based on Routes (PIR), Deviation Index based on Stops (DIS), and Evenness Index based on Stops (EIS). Subsequently, this research focuses on analysis of the results of the indicators and influence factors. The results showed this evaluation method can describe the actual bus running situation objectively; furthermore, AVL data could serve as a new information source to calculate bus service reliability, and it is highly recommended to use RCIS to evaluate bus service reliability for the three target groups, relevant government departments, bus operation agencies, and bus passengers.