Commuter Service Research Articles

Navigating Urban Mobility: The Relationship between Car Consumption and Public Transport Usage in Malaysia

Increasing private-owned cars in Malaysia has, thus far, contributed to growing congestion, environmental pollution, and decreasing public transport utilization. Car ownership has become possible through economic growth, and convenience and status attached to cars triggered tendencies from shifting to public transit. This development contradicts investments in public transport and aggravates environmental problems. This paper examines the relationship between private car ownership and public transport usage in Malaysia from 2000 to 2022, concentrating on intercity bus services, KTM commuters, and light rail transit. The results indicate that with increased riders for intercity buses and KTM commuter services, car usage drops, while that of light rail may raise car ownership. The study emphasizes the need to upgrade intercity and KTM services to mitigate the pressures of car ownership and calls for further research into the role of light rail.

Evaluation of Commuter Train User Mapping in the Sidoarjo – Indro Department

The mobility of people from Sidoarjo to Gresik for various purposes requires commuter train as an efficient transportation mode. There is a fundamental need to map the distribution of potential commuter train users whose destination is Gresik area. In this study, the researcher chose Sidoarjo - Indro commuter train route as it intersects with a road and its vehicular traffic. This research method examined the population, number of people using commuter service, vehicle mode selection, and problems encountered while travelling between Sidoarjo and Gresik. Data collection methods used were surveys and questionnaires. Data processing used was tabulation. The mapping results show that the purpose of the passengers’ trip is predominantly for work using motorbike which delivered access as far as 4 km (30%) and online motorbike taxi as far as 4 km (43%). It is known that the distribution of commuter train passengers is dominated by those who start from Gubeng Station and stop at Sidoarjo Station. The mapping of the distribution is important to create fundamental reference that is further used in transportation modelling for areas that are not yet served by Commuter Train services, considering that commuter train services are not evenly distributed throughout the region. It is also essential to evaluate based on commuter train travel behavior mapping.

Service quality attributes affecting the satisfaction of KTM Komuter services

ABSTRACT This research aims to evaluate the service quality within the commuter system of Klang Valley, Malaysia, specifically the KTM Komuter, by constructing empirical statistical models known as KOMIQUAL models. The primary objective is to identify and quantify the significance or impact of various variables on commuter quality and service, focusing on the Port Klang-Sentul route in the year 2010. The empirical investigation conducted at fourteen commuter stations in Klang Valley was prompted by concerns about severe overcrowding of passengers on rail stations, platforms, and within rail coaches. In addition, some major stations were selected because they faced high demand for passengers. Valid questionnaire responses were statistically analyzed using factor analysis and the Structural Equation Modeling-Analysis of Moment Structures (SEM-AMOS) Graphics and software. Findings showed that the major service characteristics like parking facilities, train efficiency, people services, and space comfort had the highest positive effect on service quality. This research would help the operator to monitor and improve the service.

Procurement hurdles: unveiling challenges in the subsidized commuter bus sector of Gauteng, South Africa

In South Africa, like many developing countries, procurement is seen and used as a strategic tool to promote socioeconomic development, including the promotion of competition, among other objectives. The South African commuter bus industry is structured to procure – through competitive tendering – SMMEs within the industry’s mainstream. These contracts are subsidized by the government – their origins date back to the 1940s – to ease the financial burden on black African communities. However, since its establishment, some challenges are hindering the effective procurement of these services, thus affecting the provision of these services. This paper highlights the challenges faced by Gauteng Province in the procurement of subsidised commuter services. The paper employs a mixed-methods research approach, and the research instrument was a face-to-face semi-structured interview questionnaire. Based on the findings of the study, Gauteng commuter bus industry operations are challenged with poor policy implementation, a lack of funds to support the industry’s operational needs, and a deficiency in administrative skills, among other challenges. The paper recommends that the Gauteng government revisit the guiding policies for the establishment of the industry and employ the best procurement practice(s) for this industry, considering the complex nature of South Africa (being influenced by the apartheid era and the government is faced with maintaining a balance between the blacks and the whites among citizens).

Nationwide Demand Modeling for an Urban Air Mobility Commuting Mission

In this paper, we present a comprehensive and reproducible urban air mobility (UAM) demand model centered around publicly available data and open source tools capable of demand estimation at the national level. A discrete mode-choice demand model is developed using longitudinal origin–destination employment statistics flow data, American community survey economic data, and the Open Source Routing Machine (OSRM) to identify the utility of a UAM commuter service relative to other modes of transportation. Using the implemented model, we identify New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles as cities with the highest potential commuter demand, and Seattle as the city most resilient to increases in delay time. A sensitivity study of demand is performed and shows that strong demand exists for short trips with low total delay times and for longer trips with a low ticket price per kilometer, with the former showing resilience to increases in operational costs and the latter showing resilience to increases in delays. The demand model is supported by a speed-flow model, which fuses highway performance monitoring system data with OpenStreetMap data to provide traffic-adjusted road segment speeds to OSRM. The speed-flow model has the capability of providing congestion data for road segments across the United States without the use of commercial data sets or routing services and is shown to improve routing duration accuracy in congested regions.

Perception of commuter rail transit riders/users of train services on the Accra-Nsawam Corridor

ABSTRACT Commuter trains are a popular mode of transportation among low-income earners in Ghana. However, due to the economic turmoil of the 1970s, the government struggled to invest in and manage this travel option effectively. With the increasing trend towards mass commuter services worldwide, this study aimed to examine how commuters perceive the quality of railway services in Ghana, using the Accra-Nsawam corridor as a case study. The study involved an on-board survey of 430 passengers using questionnaires. The results showed that factors such as speed, punctuality, safety, comfort, and improved customer care were significant predictors of commuters’ preference for commuter services. However, variables such as advanced technology and ticketing systems were found to be less important. The study recommends expanding rail services to other parts of the country while simultaneously improving technology.

Variable Association of Ridesharing Application Implementation with Total and Alcohol-Related Driving Crashes in Florida

INTRODUCTION: Alcohol-involved driving crashes are a major public health concern in the US. Ridesharing applications have been highlighted as a commuter service in metropolitan areas that could potentially curb alcohol-related driving, although evidence is mixed. We hypothesize that citywide ridesharing implementation is associated with decreased alcohol-related crashes in Florida. METHODS: Uber and Lyft were implemented in 8 cities in Florida in 2014. Total crash and intoxicated crash data were collected from the 2011 to 2020 Signal4Analytics traffic safety dashboard. An interrupted time series analysis at the introduction of Uber and Lyft was performed using a generalized estimating equation and a Poisson distribution. RESULTS: There were 258,322 total crashes (114,265 before and 144,057 after 2014) and 3,061 intoxicated crashes (1,708 before and 1,353 after 2014) included for analysis (Figure). For all 8 cities combined, the interrupted time series analysis for intoxicated crashes found no significant increase or decrease in crashes; total crashes increased after rideshare implementation (year odds ratio [OR] 1.20, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.27, p < 0.001; rideshare OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.88 to 3.02, p < 0.001; rideshare:year OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.87, p < 0.001). However, when Miami was analyzed separately, rideshare implementation was associated with significantly decreased intoxicated crashes (year OR 0.90, p < 0.001; rideshare OR 0.90, p < 0.001; rideshare:year OR 1.03, p < 0.001), but significantly increased total crashes (year OR 1.16, p < 0.001; rideshare OR 1.99, p < 0.001; rideshare:year OR 0.85, p < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Citywide rideshare implementation in Florida is associated with variable effects on both total and alcohol-related crashes. Additional research is required to explore the local factors that influence the effect of rideshare implementation on public safety.

Service Quality Dimensions (SERVQUAL) and Customer Satisfaction towards Motor Ride-Sharing Services: Evidence from Bangladesh

Abstract: Purpose: This study aimed to examine and evaluate the factors affecting Bangladeshi ride-sharing consumers' satisfaction levels. Research methodology: The samples comprised 386 users of this application in Dhaka city selected using a convenience random sampling technique. The data obtained using a survey questionnaire were evaluated using Smart PLS 3.0. Furthermore, six hypotheses were developed to realize the objectives. This study used a positivist research methodology. Results: The results showed a positive and significant relationship between tangibility, responsiveness, empathy, price fairness, and customer satisfaction. There is no conventional relationship between reliability and assurance of customer satisfaction. Limitations: Customer satisfaction is vast, and this study only examined ride-sharing services in Dhaka city using SERVQUAL dimensions, which restricts the generalizability of the results. Contribution: The findings would help the service providers participating in this operation better understand the appropriate actions to improve their commuter services. Keywords: 1. SERVQUAL 2. Ride-Hailing 3. Bangladesh 4. customer satisfaction 5. tangibility 6. responsiveness

The design of the traffic plan of line S1 of Taizhou railway in Zhejiang Province

At present, China is in the period of rapid urbanization construction, and gradually build a set of efficient, new and fast comprehensive urban transportation system. The urban railway construction with the same city commuter and convenient public transport service can effectively extend the urban development space and accelerate the adjustment process of urban planning and layout. According to the current situation of Taizhou’s economic and traffic development, as well as Taizhou’s unique geographical advantages, combined with the relevant research at home and abroad, this paper comprehensively discusses the necessity of building Taizhou City railway line S1. By sorting out the relevant preliminary, short-term and long-term passenger flow forecast data, this paper calculates the maximum section passenger flow in each period of the day, analyzes the characteristics of passenger flow in each period, compiles the full-time driving plan compilation data, and makes corresponding adjustments according to the actual situation, and finally designs the full-time driving plan to meet the passenger flow demand in each period. The second chapter describes the research background, the third chapter analyzes the characteristics of passenger flow, and the fourth chapter designs the driving plan and draws the train diagram.

Design of a Stationary Energy Recovery System in Rail Transport

Although rail is one of the most sustainable transport systems, there is still room to reduce its energy demand. In particular, during the braking of DC powered trains, a significant amount of energy is wasted. The recent developments in energy storage system technologies, combined with the widely used technique of regenerative braking, can considerably increase energy saving. This paper explores this theme, quantifying the amount of braking energy that can be potentially recovered in a real case study, starting from the experimental data measured on-board train. A simplified numerical model of the recovery process has been implemented. Adopting it, the energy that can be saved, with one or two energy storage systems, has been quantified for each possible position along the track. The procedure allows to determine the optimal position. Further findings about the impact of voltage level on the efficiency of the recovery process have been reported. The optimal level of voltage has been determined, also considering the additional losses in the catenary, both during the traction and braking phase of the train. Moreover, it allows dimensioning of stationary storage systems considering two different energy management strategies and their impact on the peak of stored energy. The proposed approach will be presented with reference to the concrete case of a specific route on the Italian rail network, analyzing a train in normal commuter service and the obtained results will be discussed. In the best situation, about the 73% of the braking energy can be recovered.

Cost, reliability, convenience, equity or image? The cases for and against the introduction of light rail and bus rapid transit in inners suburban Adelaide, South Australia

The inner and middle suburbs of Adelaide South Australia have low levels of public transport use and high levels of private motor vehicle use for commuting compared to the inner and middle suburbs of Australia’s other major cities. A major reason for this is an absence of a rapid transit system in the region and the subsequent reliance upon bus commuter services in mixed traffic. The state government has proposed reintroducing light rail ’trams’ into inner and middle suburbs as radial routes connected to the central business district. The justification for the reintroduction is largely concerned with enhancing the city’s global image and facilitating urban infill. This article uses evidence from a literature review and statistical and physical analyses to ascertain the appropriateness of four common public transport systems, buses in mixed traffic, heavy rail transit, light rail transit and bus rapid transit for a central area of Adelaide South Australia where a new light rail line is proposed. This article argues ‘Curitiba’ styled bus rapid transit is the best option for the area because it is far less expensive than light or heavy rail, it has the potential to provide a rapid transit option for significantly more existing residents in the area, and would be more reliable and convenient for the people in its catchment. In doing so it can also provide a more equitable service.

Management of Urban and Regional Rail: Case Study Bucharest

Abstract The capital of Romania is the main railway hub of the country. As such, the railway network around the capital is quite extensive, with main cities around it being directly connected by rail. Despite this, there are no regular train services for commuters, similar to other large European cities. This paper aims to analyze the current state of railway passenger transport in the region surrounding Bucharest, to highlight the weaknesses of the network and to present a guideline for the implementation of an efficient commuter service. 100 stations in and around the city were evaluated with regard to their degree of accessibility (DoA), defined as the location of the station relative to the nearest settlement. Train frequency, travel times and journey costs were determined for each line originating in Bucharest. These variables were compared to their road equivalents to highlight the differences between these two modes of transport. Low train frequency and the remoteness of many stations were determined to be the main obstacles in establishing an appropriate commuter service. Reworking future timetables to prioritize commuter trains is proposed as a short-term solution, while line improvements and better integration with existing public transport are set as priorities.

Customer Satisfaction and Commuter Service: An Evaluation of Intercity Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) Performance Delivery

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The present study focuses on an evaluation of intercity Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) performance delivery on customer satisfaction and commuter services. Its objective is to evaluate the customers’ satisfaction of KTMB intercity towards the performance delivery of various services. As such, a framework was proposed for major dimensions which have an impact on the level of services satisfaction provided by my KTM commuter. Furthermore, the study employed qualitative and quantitative methods for the purpose of analysis. Data was obtained using 600 questionnaires and 18 staff via interview session. The findings show that status and age of respondents have no significant influence on safety and security, cleanliness, facilities, as well as services except between the categorical variables; quality, punctuality and price which have significant differences tangled with the performance of commuter service. From all the responses that were pointed out by interviewees, the most significant reason for the persistence of the problems is MyCommuter launched by KTM, which is the unbalanced momentum of systematic management. Also, it was realised that the heterogeneous variations of lower fairness within the system will affect the punctuality, functions of commuter, the breakdown of the trains, limitation of commuters, and etc in a negative direction. Important areas of priorities for the improvisation of commuter services are the holistic coordination of effective and continuous monitoring of system in terms of systematic management. Lastly, the present study suggests conducting an extensive study in comparing KTMB and ETS services to enhance the quality of their services.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Operational Challenges of the Bangkok Airport Rail Link

The airport rail link (ARL) was launched in 2010 as a premium rail transit service between the inner city of Bangkok and the airport. In 2014, the express service was canceled due to its unpopularity and transformed into the commuter service. In 2017, the new extended service concept was introduced under the three airport links project. Under this new concept, both ARL and high-speed trains will run on the city line section between Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi Airports. This paper focuses on the use of a microsimulation model to identify the challenge of mixed-service operations, with regular and express trains running on the city line section. The simulation model allows investigation of hypothetical situations and construction of feasible timetables. The model can identify sections where special attention is needed, such as speed reductions, extended dwell times, or delayed departures. During the peak hour, the results suggest that the regular ARL should run with a 10-min headway and the high-speed one line with a 20-min headway, as an alternative solution. This results in fewer train numbers and less additional running time. Simulations indicate that the high-speed train is not efficient, as it consumes 2–3 times higher energy, while offering little time saving compared with the ARL city train. In addition, the Suvarnabhumi Airport extension track layout needs to be carefully considered, since the Suvarnabhumi Station area is a bottleneck liable to disruption.

Assessment of Unorganised Commuter Service Quality in East Sikkim Zone Over Servqual Dimension

Sikkim is a State in the North-Eastern region of India. Being a part of the Himalayan Series, movement in this region is difficult as compared to the plains of the country. This research work tries to identify the quality of present commuter services provided by unorganized private taxi operators. The author used the time-tested SERVQUAL model to measure the expectation and perception of the passengers towards these services. The GAP score identified reflected that the local passengers are almost happy with the available services. However, the research indicates that further research on the demography needs to be done to understand the expectations and perception of the local passengers.

US Commuter Rail Renaissance: A 30-Year Progress Report

In 1989 the first new US commuter railroad in living memory opened for business in South Florida running over a 41-mile route between Miami and Boca Raton. “Tri-Rail” quickly expanded to result in a 71-mile-long service that spanned three counties. Tri-Rail soon had a long string of imitators among other Sun Belt and western cities wrestling with highway congestion and a paucity of affordable fixed guideway transit options. New commuter rail services were started in other cities with no previous history of commuter rail service. Thirty years later, commuter rail service is now offered in 14 new US jurisdictions. Most had no previous experience with commuter service. The number of US commuter railroads has more than doubled in the last 30 years and the legacy systems have enjoyed a 50% growth in ridership. This paper reviews this remarkable success story, tracing the “New Start” commuter rail phenomenon while also reporting how the nine “Legacy” systems that were operating in 1988 have fared over the last 30 years. The paper uses the most recently published (2016) federally collected data to compare the New Start services with the older, and generally larger, legacy systems. 1987 also marked the US’s first competitively procured commuter rail service in Boston, soon followed by Miami in 1988. Today, 14 US commuter railroads are operated under the auspices of a competitively tendered procurement. Eleven other railroads are “owner operated” either by employees of the public agency sponsoring the service or by the private owner (freight railway) of the subject railway under the auspices of a negotiated service contract. This paper considers how this management innovation has worked out by comparing the economic performance of the “competitive contract” services with the “owner operators.”

Internal service quality and employees’ perceptions of rail commuter service quality in Johannesburg

Internal service quality and employees’ perceptions of rail commuter service quality in Johannesburg

Access mode choice to low-cost airports: Evaluation of new direct rail services at Milan-Bergamo airport

The purpose of this study is to investigate air passengers' choice of the access mode at low-cost airports, with the aim of supporting policy makers in evaluating improvements to the current ground access transport system. We assess the impact of the introduction of a new direct rail service on the airport's accessibility by passengers, relying on revealed preference data collected at the Milan-Bergamo airport in the period 2013–2016. We first implement a mixed logit model to examine the behavior of outgoing passengers and evaluate their sensitivity to various access time components and cost incurred. Second, based on the estimated coefficients, the introduction of direct rail services from/to Milan is assessed by means of a sensitivity analysis. Results show that low-cost airports should be aware of customers' priorities and not simply aim to deliver the solution with the lowest possible cost. The estimated value of time measures—equal to €40/h, €24/h, and €19/h for traffic, out-of-vehicle travel time, and in-vehicle travel time, respectively—reveal that low-cost airline passengers are not exclusively cost-driven when confronted with the access mode choice but do place considerable value on access time savings. This finding is corroborated by the assessment of different rail services, showing how the introduction of an airport express train has the potential to increase train usage much more (+7%) than the extension of the existing regional commuter service (+1%).

Passado, presente e futuro da mobilidade no vale do Tua: (séculos XIX a XXI)

Ao longo de mais de 200 anos, o vale do Tua conheceu diversas evoluções no seu sistema de mobilidade, desde os primitivos carros de bois e barcas de passagem até ao advento do caminho‑de‑ferro e ao desenvolvimento da locomoção automóvel. Cada uma desses progressos teve determinadas características e respondeu a objetivos ou necessidades diferentes, de acordo com as circunstâncias do momento. Neste artigo analisaremos esta evolução descrevendo os meios e as formas de mobilidade e seus desenvolvimentos, ilustrando, sempre que possível, as tendências de transporte que justificaram o nascimento de novas formas de mobilidade e o ocaso e eventual renascimento de outras. Esperamos com este estudo contribuir para o debate sobre a mobilidade em zonas periféricas no longo prazo, demonstrando em específico como certas formas de mobilidade passaram dum serviço quotidiano para um serviço turístico ou de apoio ao património industrial/paisagístico local. Para tal recorremos a fontes quantitativas e qualitativas e ainda a um amplo leque de bibliografia recente sobre este assunto.

Кластерная модель организации транспортно-логистического бизнеса в пригородном пассажирском комплексе

Кластерная модель организации транспортно-логистического бизнеса в пригородном пассажирском комплексе