Intercity Bus Research Articles

Optimizing Fuel Efficiency in Intercity Buses: Aerodynamic Design Enhancements and Implications for Sustainable Transportation in Bangladesh

Optimizing Fuel Efficiency in Intercity Buses: Aerodynamic Design Enhancements and Implications for Sustainable Transportation in Bangladesh

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.

Assessing the Benefit of Two Detection Approaches in Screening COVID-19 Using SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Tests among Intercity Public Bus Travelers.

The movement of people contributes to the spread of COVID-19 between communities. Hence, we evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of offering intercity bus travelers testing prior to their departure. We conducted baseline and endline surveys to map COVID-19 prevention practices in travel agencies in western Cameroon. As interventions, buses were randomly assigned to three study arms: 1) offering systematic COVID-19 rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) to all passengers (arm A); 2) offering testing to suspected cases (arm B); or 3) no testing (arm C). All travelers were called 7-10 days after their trip to identify potential cases. Fifty-five (90.2%) of the 61 travel agencies that were reached consented to participate in a baseline survey. Although only 27 (49.1%) of the agencies implemented at least one of the recommended COVID-19 preventive measures, 39 (70.9%) agreed to host a testing station. Six agencies were selected, and 669 buses were enrolled, including 223, 224, and 222 in arms A, B, and C, respectively. A total of 31,484 departing passengers were approached and 9,594 (30.5%) agreed to participate: 1,177 (12.3%) in arm A, 4,086 (42.6%) in arm B, and 4,331 (45.1%) in arm C. In all, 1,731 tests were performed, including 1,177 in arm A and 554 in arm B. Fourteen (0.8%) tests were positive, and two participants (14.3%) agreed to postpone their travel. Offering testing with antigen RDTs in travel agencies is feasible and acceptable. One-third of passengers consented, and testing did not delay any travels. Although this approach can detect COVID-19 cases, actions are needed to increase the proportion of positive cases postponing their travels.

Aerodynamic evaluation of a commercial bus structure

Abstract This article focuses on the aerodynamics evaluation of a commercial intercity bus used on the highway. The research begins with a brief introduction to the state-of-the-art vehicle aerodynamic assessment using the iterative CFD (computational fluid dynamics) method. The second part presented the method to generate the basic CAD model of a commercial bus using the blueprint images. The boundary conditions and the discretization of computational volume are presented in the third part of this document. The aerodynamic evaluation is performed at a velocity of 33.34 m/s, highlighting the velocity distribution around the bus structure and the air pressure on the bus and road surface. For high accuracy of the simulation results, a movable road surface and a rotation zone is introduced around the wheels, according to the simulation case. After analysing the results of the original model is proposed a geometrical improvement by adding the air deflectors to the bus model. The improved bus model is simulated under the same boundary conditions as the base model. The last part of the document presents the comparison study and its conclusions.

ANALYZE THE FACTORS THAT AFFECT CUSTOMER LOYALTY TO THE QUALITY OF THE WAITER AT ROSALIA INDAH TRANSPORT COMPANY

Tight competition between companies in inter-city inter-provincial bus services requires improvements in quality service to retain customers. This literature review aims to analyze the factors that influence customer loyalty towards service quality at the Rosalia Indah Transportation Company. This study examines various relevant literature to identify and understand the influence of factors such as security and safety, convenience, timeliness, customer service, and ease of ordering on customer loyalty. The results of this literature review show that all of these factors significantly influence customer loyalty, with security and safety and comfort being very influential in building customer trust and satisfaction. This study suggests that to increase customer loyalty, companies should focus on continuous improvement in these aspects of service. The findings from this literature review provide guidance for Rosalia Indah's management in strategic efforts to improve service quality and maintain customer loyalty in the transportation industry.

Recommendations for Improving the Quality of Intercity Bus Transportation Services in Bali Province Results of the Questionnaire

The quality of public transportation services has not been able to meet the transportation needs of the community. The purpose of the study was to determine the recommendations for improving the Intercity Bus Within the Province (AKDP) service. The quantitative method was used to determine the quality of AKDP Bus public transportation services in Bali from the analysis of questionnaire data. The respondent population was users of AKDP Bus public transportation services who stopped at the Mengwi Terminal. The number of respondents was 371 people. The analysis of service quality was carried out using the Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) method in the form of quadrant analysis and gap analysis to determine recommendations for superior services and priority services for improvement. Recommendations for service improvements include the provision of glass breaker tools or hammers, emergency doors, and special space in the trunk for storing wheelchairs. In addition, it is necessary to check the vehicle before it is operated and provide information at the counter about the routes to be served. The results of the study can be used by AKDP bus service providers to improve services.

USERS’ SATISFACTION WITH INTERCITY BUS TERMINAL QUALITY IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Globally, efficient intercity public transport relies on well-designed and high-quality terminal facilities and services to enhance accessibility, mobility, and safety for passengers and freight. Despite governmental efforts, bus terminals in Nigerian urban areas are becoming hotspots for unregulated activities and traffic chaos. In response, this study investigates users’ satisfaction with Lagos State's intercity bus terminal quality, analysing socio-economic profiles, satisfaction levels with quality of terminal facilities (QoTF) and services (QoTS), and challenges impacting terminal operations. Using a cross-sectional survey, 200 questionnaires were distributed to terminal users, employing a multistage sampling technique. Descriptive (weighted mean analysis) and inferential (multiple linear regression [MLR] analysis) statistics were employed for data analysis. Results indicate that the majority of respondents are male, aged below 40, and permanent terminal users. Satisfaction is noted with 13 out of 24 parameters of QoTF, with top-ranking parameters including parking space, restaurant facilities, and waste disposal facilities. However, dissatisfaction is expressed with 8 out of 14 parameters of QoTS. Least-satisfied QoTS parameters include staff attitudes, passenger safety, and bus service reliability. Top-rated challenges affecting terminal operations are security concerns, sanitation facility deficiencies and insufficient passenger amenities. MLR analysis indicates a significant influence of terminal facilities on overall service satisfaction (F= 2.899, p= 0.000 <0.05). In conclusion, enhancing both terminal facilities and services is crucial for efficient operations in Lagos State's bus terminals. Recommendations include improving security measures, sanitary infrastructure and staff training to address user concerns and enhance satisfaction.

The influence of personal resources and job stress on turnover intention among employees in the ground transportation industry

This study investigates the impact of Personal Resources and Work Stress on Turnover Intention among employees in the intercity bus transportation industry, specifically drivers, assistants, and conductors. It employs a quantitative approach using Structural Equation Modeling Partial Least Squares (SEM PLS) to analyze the proposed hypotheses. The research sample comprises randomly selected employees from transportation companies in Surabaya, Madiun, Tulungagung, and Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia.The analysis reveals significant relationships: Personal Resources significantly influence Work Stress (t=7.685, p=0.000), Personal Resources influence Turnover Intention negatively (t=-5.025, p=0.000), and Work Stress positively affects Turnover Intention (t=3.892, p=0.000). Additionally, Personal Resources indirectly influence Turnover Intention through Work Stress mediation (t=4.677, p=0.000). These findings underscore the crucial role of personal resources in managing work stress and reducing turnover intention in the intercity bus transportation sector. This research conclusion thighlights the strategic importance for companies to enhance employee personal resources to foster workforce stability and mitigate turnover intention effectively.

Two hours to the office, two minutes to the kitchen table: trends in local public-transportation expenditures from 2018 to 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic altered consumer spending on public transportation, including both intracity (mass transit, taxi, and limousine) and intercity (air, ship, bus, and train). According to the Consumer Expenditure Surveys, spending on public and other transportation fell 66.3 percent in 2020. With shifts toward virtual work and school attendance, many commuters’ 2 hours to the office became 2 minutes to the kitchen table. This article examines changes in dollars spent for public transportation, mainly intracity mass-transit spending from January 2018 to December 2021, among various unique demographic groups: urban and rural residency, occupation type, educational attainment, and selected metropolitan statistical areas. Essential workers generally were unable to telework. Simultaneously, private-transportation costs declined in 2020 for all, while affordability rose for many. Gasoline prices fell 46 cents (17 percent) per gallon in 2020, according to the Consumer Price Index. Furthermore, average annual income fell for certain occupational groups and rose for others (income rose 2 percent for all consumer units). A model of indifference curves and budget constraints is used to show which members of specific education groups are likely to substitute private for public transportation. Results in 2020 show that income growth and lower private-transportation costs compared with those of public transportation resulted in increased private-transportation spending of up to 5 percent, with accompanying public-transportation spending reductions of 40 to 50 percent. Although intracity mass-transit spending rebounded in 2021, it did not reach prepandemic levels.

Navigating Passenger Satisfaction: A Structural Equation Modeling–Artificial Neural Network Approach to Intercity Bus Services

The phenomenon of passenger satisfaction is an important issue for public transport services and transport companies. Clarifying the relationship between influencing attributes and passenger satisfaction significantly improves service satisfaction. This study examines passenger satisfaction with intercity buses and, in particular, the role of digital information channels (websites and mobile apps) in promoting sustainable travel choices on the Madrid–Bilbao route. This study analyzed data from 459 passengers to identify the key factors influencing the bus choice for intercity bus travel. Punctuality, safety, and ticket price are the most important determinants. We use a combined structural equation modeling (SEM) and artificial neural network (ANN) approach to capture the intricate relationships between service attributes and information channels. The results show that information channels, travel experience, and ticket prices significantly impact passenger satisfaction, which bus operators should improve. Also, inserting the SEM result as input for the ANN showed that ticket price is the most significant predictor of satisfaction, followed by information channels (84%) and travel experience (65%). This approach provides valuable insights for improving the passenger experience. This study emphasizes integrating digital transformation strategies into public transport systems to promote sustainable mobility goals.

Vehicle dispatching and routing of on-demand intercity ride-pooling services: A multi-agent hierarchical reinforcement learning approach

The integrated development of city clusters has given rise to an increasing demand for intercity travel. Intercity ride-pooling service exhibits considerable potential in upgrading traditional intercity bus services by implementing demand-responsive enhancements. Nevertheless, its online operations suffer the inherent complexities due to the coupling of vehicle resource allocation among cities and pooled-ride vehicle routing. To tackle these challenges, this study proposes a two-level framework designed to facilitate online fleet management. Specifically, a novel multi-agent feudal reinforcement learning model is proposed at the upper level of the framework to cooperatively assign idle vehicles to different intercity lines, while the lower level updates the routes of vehicles using an adaptive large neighborhood search heuristic. Numerical studies based on the realistic dataset of Xiamen and its surrounding cities in China show that the proposed framework effectively mitigates the supply and demand imbalances, and achieves significant improvement in both the average daily system profit and order fulfillment ratio.

Optimizing service networks to support freight rail decarbonization: Flow selection, facility location, and energy sourcing

We present a framework to support decarbonization of energy intensive transportation systems offering periodic service on expansive networks (e.g., freight rail, trucking, and intercity bus services). The framework consists of two optimization problems that respectivelyaddress (i) flow selection and facility location, and (ii) energy sourcing/procurement at the service facilities to enable the selected flows. The framework generalizes mixed integer linear programming formulations for flow refueling facility location and flow-based set cover models appearing in the literature to situations where it is of interest to account for repositioning of assets along cyclical trajectories to allow for periodic service, and to account for intermediate flow capture (i.e., trip chaining). The framework also consists of a minimum cost network flow model to determine optimal energy sourcing and distribution strategies, which dictate capacity requirements at the service facilities. The energy demands are obtained from the solution to the flow selection and facility location model. To illustrate the framework, we analyze the deployment of charging stations to support battery-electric locomotive service on a subset of the US freight rail network (i.e., an aggregate network of 3 Class I Railroads). The results show that the deployment of 30 charging stations can support battery-electric locomotives (with 1600-km ranges) to serve 86% of distance-weighted flows (ton-km) and reduce emissions by approximately 50%.

Assessment of the Impact of Intercity Bus Station Relocation on Passenger Flows in Urban Public Transport

Problem. The analysis of existing studies on transport hub operation in a city as well as on the methods for modelling the transport demand they generate showed that there are no specific recommendations for assessing the impact of the intercity bus station location on the trip patterns in urban transport system. This caused the need to search for a tool suitable to assess the influence of intercity bus station relocation on passenger service and passenger flows in the urban transport system. This paper shows the results of addressing this issue respective to urban public transport operation. Goal. The goal of the paper is to model the passenger flows to and from intercity bus stations considered transport anchors in urban public transport system as well as estimate the impact of station relocation on passenger flows and quality of service. Methodology. To achieve the stated goal, a survey of intercity passengers at the bus stations in the city of Rivne was made. This allowed for collecting the distances of the trips to and from existing bus stations and fitting the theoretical distribution to describe them. This distribution was used as the deterrence function during trip matrix calculation, which was required for the development of the public transport model. The model made it possible to quantify the potential impact of the Bus Station “Rivne” relocation on the urban transport system. Results. The considered bus station relocation can cause a decrease in the quality of service for passengers travelling to and from the station by public transport due to a probable significant increase in the average travel time and distance, the number of transfers, the passenger hours spent on travelling, and the passenger-kilometres covered to ensure the trips under study. Originality For the first time, the quantitative estimation of the impact of bus station relocation based on the regularities in the lengths of the trips to and from the stations was obtained. Practical value. The obtained trip length distribution can be used to calculate the origin-destination matrix, develop the public transport model, and quantify the probable consequences of the transport hub relocation.

Engine Oil Degradation in the Real-World Bus Fleet Test Based on Two Consecutive Operational Intervals

The literature on the subject and the results of numerous research experiments indicate that single replacement cycles do not reflect the actual state of oil quality in the context of its degradation. Monitoring the operational quality of the oil in several successive stages allows for a more accurate diagnosis of the optimal oil change time. Therefore, it was decided to investigate the relationship between two consecutive periods of changing the operating oil in an engine. Comparative tests of seven buses included in the fleet were carried out. An important division criterion was taken into account—the operation of city and intercity buses. The HDXRF instrumental chemical analysis method was used to determine changes in the content of abrasive metals, and additives in engine oils. Additionally, the oxidation, nitration, sulfonation, and soot content were assessed using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) based on the ASTM E2414-10 standard and kinematic viscosity at 40 °C and 100 °C using a Stabinger viscometer according to ASTM D7042. The course of these changes was analyzed in terms of their dynamics. The comparative study aimed to identify trends and sources of differences between the tested oils, as well as to demonstrate the number of exceedances of limit values for the selected parameters.

Analyzing the Impact of Service Quality on Public Transport Performance: A Panel Data Analysis with an Online Recommendation System

This study aims to examine the effect of various service quality parameters on the schedule-wise performance of intercity bus passenger transit using objective measures through a panel data regression model. The study findings show that service quality parameters such as bus fare and customer rating positively impact the operator's schedule-wise performance. In contrast, travel time hurts performance. The study also finds that bus type insignificantly affects performance, and an increase in bus fare does not impact performance. In summary, this study underscores the importance of service quality in the public transport system. It recommends that operators prioritize service quality parameters such as bus fare and customer rating to enhance their schedule-wise performance. Furthermore, this study offers valuable insights into the factors that affect the performance of intercity bus passenger transit, which can inform policymaking and management decisions in the public transport sector. Keywords: Intercity Bus Transport Performance, Service attributes, Schedule Performance, Panel data analysis of service quality

Investigation of the Level of Awareness of the Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease Amongst Kashan Intercity Bus Drivers in 2019

Investigation of the Level of Awareness of the Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease Amongst Kashan Intercity Bus Drivers in 2019

Dynamic and Stationary Testing of Vehicle Braking Systems

Abstract The paper deals with the dynamic and stationary testing of vehicle braking systems for a selected set of eight intercity buses in an unloaded state. In case of the dynamic test carried out on a defined test area, a decelerometer is used to record the braking deceleration of a set of vehicles, which is placed in the vehicle during the course of test. According to the methodical procedure, the vehicle is accelerated to a speed of 40 km·h-1 and subsequently braked with the maximum braking deceleration. Braking deceleration values recorded by the decelerometer were used to calculate vehicle braking. During the stationary test, a roller brake tester was used, on which the maximum braking forces on the front and rear axles of the vehicle are measured, and then, the braking of the vehicle is calculated from these values according to the methodical procedure. The calculated braking values of vehicles during the dynamic and stationary test are subsequently compared, where it is possible to observe the percentage difference of these values, which may be caused by several factors taken into account in the results of the paper.

Transport supply management on regular intercity bus lines

Introduction. Intercity public transport ensures the satisfaction of mobility not only for long-distance passengers, but also for residents of small settlements located on a regular line. There are often no other types of regular public transport between such settlements. The growing demand for intercity bus transportation increases the need for efficient transportation design in order to provide competitive public transport services and minimize the costs of carriers.Materials and methods. The article presents a mathematical model of transportation planning on an intercity regular bus line passing through settlements with different numbers of inhabitants. The objective function is aimed at forming a transport supply that satisfies potential demand, for which the gravitational method is used to determine. The analysis of the unevenness of passenger flows by months of the year, days of the week and flights shows that on most flights the capacity of the rolling stock is not used efficiently enough.Results. By comparing the potential number of passengers on flights with the actual one, it is shown that flexible regulation of transport supply taking into account demand will significantly improve the quality and efficiency of public transport services.Discussion and conclusion. Based on the data for 2022 of the booking system serving the regular bus line, it is shown that with the introduction of flexible regulation of the transport offer, the expected increase in passenger turnover will be about 25%.

Indoor air quality of urban public transportation stations in China: Based on air quality evaluation indexes

Indoor air quality (IAQ) of urban public transportation stations (UPTS) has adverse health impacts on the station employees and commuters. However, there is a lack of comprehensively evaluations of IAQ in waiting rooms of UPTS. Therefore, it is crucial to select appropriate air quality indexes (including fuzzy synthetic index (B), comprehensive index (P), I1 index, and indoor air quality index (IAQI)) to assess air quality and potential health risks. Our study is a subsample of the CPPEHS 2019 study, which included 224 UPTS in 126 cities of China. We found that P index showed an excellent air quality rate of 95.96% in the railway stations and 83.19% in the inter-city bus stations. The P index was correlated with UPTS usage years, useable area, and per passenger useable area. Furthermore, waiting rooms in UPTS with good (OR = 1.9187, 95% CI: 1.1204, 3.2859) and bad (OR = 2.0854, 95% CI: 1.2182, 3.5698) air quality evaluated by P index had a higher risk of rhinitis compared to those with excellent air quality. Similarly, UPTS with good (OR = 2.2202, 95% CI: 1.3427, 3.6711), bad (OR = 1.7897, 95% CI: 1.0807, 2.9637), and serious (OR = 1.7478, 95% CI: 1.0098, 3.0250) air quality evaluated by P index were associated with a higher risk of pharyngitis. These findings suggested that P index is the optimal index for assessing air quality in UPTS, while IAQI may exaggerate indoor air pollution and the B index may underestimate it. Overall, this study aims to identify and evaluate the more suitable air quality index (P) in nationwide UPTS, providing valuable insights for control of IAQ and guiding the air quality management and standards.

Hubungan Durasi Mengemudi Dan Usia Dengan Keluhan Hemoroid Pada Sopir Bus Di Terminal AKAP (Antar Kota Antar Provinsi) Payung Sekaki Pekanbaru Riau

Background : Hemorrhoids is one of the most common anorectal diseases, this disease can cause physical and psychological discomfort due to its disturbing symptoms such as rectal bleeding, pain, and itching sensation and will significantly affect the quality of life of the person with hemorrhoids. According to Slavin (2008), the prevalence of hemorrhoids in the world reaches 5%. There are various risk factors for hemorrhoids, one of which is the length of sitting without changing the position and age. According to Ali and Shoeb (2017) in their research, there were 50 patients out of 60 drivers experiencing hemorrhoids. A driver job that requires a long time to sit because of the long duration of driving can cause hemorrhoids. Kumala, et al (2016) said in their research on intercity and interprovincial (AKAP) bus drivers who have a driving duration of ≥ 6 hours have a risk of hemorrhoids and those aged ≥ 45 years have a risk of developing hemorrhoids.Objective : Knowing the relationship between driving duration and age with hemorrhoids in bus drivers at the AKAP Payung Sekaki terminal Pekanbaru in 2020.Methode : The design used in this study was an observational analytic type with a cross-sectional method. The sampling technique was accidental sampling, with a sample of 60 respondents who had the inclusion criteria. Statistical test data using the Chi-Square test.The results : There was an insignificant relationship between the duration of driving and complaints of hemorrhoids in the driver (p-value = 0.057) and the relationship between age and complaints of hemorrhoids in the driver (p-value = 0.073).Conclusion : There is an insignificant relationship between driving duration and age with complaints of hemorrhoids in bus drivers at AKAP Payung Sekaki Terminal