Measuring Network-Based Public Transit Performance Using Fuzzy Measures and Fuzzy Integrals

Tzay-An Shiau,Ching-Shuan Lee

doi:10.3390/su9050695

Abstract

This paper proposes an indicator integration model to measure network-based public transit performance. Coverage, directness, and connectivity indicators were used to measure network-based public transit performances individually. The three indicators exist preferential dependence problem in eliciting indicator weights. The value judgments by 40 representatives were collected by using fuzzy measures. Subsequently, fuzzy integrals were applied to integrate the three indicators considering their preferential dependence. The major contributions are twofold: one contribution is providing a comprehensive performance measurement for multimodal transit networks and the other is resolving preferential dependence between the three indicators. A case study of Taipei City was also discussed to demonstrate the application of the integration model. Five major results were derived from the study: (1) according to the decision group preferences, coverage was preferred to directness, and directness was preferred to connectivity; (2) the districts of Taipei City in the central business district (CBD) generally feature high transit coverage compared with the districts in the surrounding areas; (3) the districts in the surrounding areas generally exhibit high transit connectivity compared with the districts in the CBD; (4) the 12 districts of Taipei City do not differ substantially in transit directness performance; and (5) most of the districts of Taipei City in the CBD exhibit relatively better comprehensive transit performance than the districts in the surrounding areas.

Highlights

Improving the public transit system is an effective strategy to facilitate the development of green transportation, which attracts trip makers shifting from the use of private transport modes to the use of public transport modes [1]
The Taipei mass rapid transit (MRT) system was expanded with 98 km of operation networks and 64 stations in Taipei City
The indicator measurements and indicator integration of public transit performances based on the 12 districts in Taipei City are discussed

Summary

Introduction

Improving the public transit system is an effective strategy to facilitate the development of green transportation, which attracts trip makers shifting from the use of private transport modes to the use of public transport modes [1]. An integrated cost benefit analysis framework was proposed to evaluate the effects of economic welfare and human capital accumulation by improving public transit services [2]. Commuters experience public transit service quality from three sources: transit route arrangement, equipment and performance of transit vehicles, and transit drivers’ attitude and behavior. These complex factors constitute a difficult task to measure the service quality of a transit system. Pternea et al [3] involved an air pollution indicator for developing a transit network design model. Zhang et al [5] developed a bus comfort model to evaluate bus transit performance. Verbich et al [6] evaluated urban public transit from the perspective of transit users (service quality), society (transit ridership per capita), and agency (financial viability)

Results

Discussion

Conclusion