Properties of delay and queue length functions at bus stops

Abstract

The literature on the relationships between delays and queue lengths as a function of the degree of saturation at road junctions is plentiful. However, little has been written about similar relationships at bus stops. In this article we show delay and queue length functions in bus stops to study their properties by using an ad-hoc simulation model. It was found that delay and queue functions at bus stops differ from that observed at road junctions. The main characteristic is that the functions increase more smoothly at bus stops than at road junctions. Therefore, in the process of designing and operating bus stops, not only the nominal capacity but also a low degree of saturation should be considered to manage congestion in the stop area. In addition, if the bus stop is located upstream of a traffic signal, the green time, and the cycle time play an important role in reducing congestion. This is relevant because on arterial roads most bus stops are close to traffic signals.