Abstract
The present paper aims to be useful for public transport operators and municipalities, as it should enable them to make decisions and to optimize public transport schedules during peak hours. In this study, we outline the data and the means necessary for the creation and use of a specific database for a dynamic spatial analysis of the public transportation network. This will facilitate the analysis of public transport vehicle operating programs and the simulation of new transport programs using open-source software. This paper delivers the first digital map of the public transport in Bucharest. Using the QGIS software and the PostgresSQL database, (i) we analyzed the accessibility of public transport stops for residential areas (5-min isochrones, corresponding to walking distances of 400 m), and (ii) we determined the correlation of transport vehicle programs with the existing transport network to optimize the headway of vehicles. These two elements were considered for the analysis of public transport performance. The research study was based on the tram network in Bucharest, but it can be easily upscaled for the entire public transport network and may be replicated in other large cities.
Highlights
It may be concluded that using geographical information systems (GIS) for digital maps, the optimization of bus location and public transport routes, GIS-based accessibility models, effectiveness, and the sustainability of public transport, together with research on data and data movement, are subjects extensively discussed in the scientific literature
To answer the research question for the Bucharest case study, the objectives of the study were 1. to develop a digital map of the Bucharest public transport network, supported by an open-source GIS application, and 2. to use the digital map to explore the elements contributing to public transport performance in Bucharest, Romania, namely, 2a, the accessibility of public transport stations in 400 m isochrones (5-min walking distances) for residential areas, presenting the analysis of the correlation of the transport schedules of the tram network in Bucharest, and 2b, the optimization of the headway of vehicles using the QGIS software and PostGIS database, allowing the simulation of vehicle movement in the existing urban public transportation network and
The information and analyses we present in this paper constitute the basis for research related to urban public transport performance with the support of open tools
Summary
The sustainability of cities depends, to a large extent, on urban transport, which has many negative impacts such as traffic congestion, air pollution, health issues, and decreased traffic safety In this context, public transport is a viable alternative to private car transport even for medium and long distances. Measuring the performance of public transport is essential for transport authorities, enabling them to verify whether services are provided efficiently and effectively, to identify areas where performance may need to be improved, to ensure user satisfaction, and to support decision makers in making informed decisions [4] For tracking all these factors in a fast and coherent manner, the rapid digitization of the public transport network is necessary. Special attention has been paid to the use of geographical information systems (GIS) for modeling mobility and transport studies [5,6,7]
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