Network Analysis of the Tel Aviv Mass Transit Plan

Abstract

This paper analyzes the strategic transit network plan for the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, using graph theory and other recently developed transit network measures. The different transit modes included in the strategic plan are emphasized by adding weights to distinguish metro lines from light rail lines (LRT). This approach can help compare the combined metro or LRT alternatives of the new Tel Aviv plan to the metro-only alternatives as well as measure the performance relative to the metro systems in other cities around the world. The analysis of the alternative plans in Tel Aviv showed that when metro and LRT lines were treated as homogeneous modes, in which all were considered as metro, the alternatives resembled medium developed metro systems, such as in Barcelona and Washington DC. In contrast, when the distinguished weights were included, the combined metro/LRT alternatives resembled less developed systems, such as in Lyon and Lisbon, and only the metro-only alterative score remained high. The results also showed that the alternatives have regional coverage, and the alternatives with more LRT lines score lower in coverage. The network structure analysis showed that the metro-oriented networks score higher in both directness and connectivity. When using the weighted measures, the existing plan (LRT-only) scores low on both directness and connectivity. The analysis of the results emphasizes the need for more metro lines in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. The results also suggest that the analysis of the complex mass transit networks based on graph theory should consider differences in line technology reflected in the line speed and coverage.