Public Bus Operators Research Articles

Sustainable and smart electric bus charging station deployment via hybrid spherical fuzzy BWM and MULTIMOORA framework

This study aims to assist public bus operators in locating electric bus charging station (EBCS) facilities from a smart and sustainable view. The selection of the most suitable EBCSs from various possible candidates involves a sophisticated decision-making procedure in terms of several contradictory criteria with imprecise information. The novelty of the study resides in exploring the EBCS site selection problem with spherical fuzzy sets (SFSs), which have shown remarkable effectiveness in limiting information loss by seizing ambiguous, and uncertain data. In this regard, a novel best–worst method (BWM) incorporating Multi-objective optimization via full multiplicative form ratio analysis (MULTIMOORA) methodology in the spherical fuzzy context is proposed to choose the optimal locations for EBCSs. The integrated framework combines the adaptability of the spherical fuzzy BWM (SF-BWM) for determining the criteria weights with the convenience of spherical fuzzy MULTIMOORA (SF-MULTIMOORA) approach for ranking the alternatives. A case study for Istanbul is provided to substantiate the propounded technique and to confirm its viability and efficiency. In the course of making a decision, a four-level hierarchical structure consisting of five main and 22 sub-criteria is built and the comparison matrices are reviewed by a panel of seven experts. A sensitivity analysis is executed, and the results demonstrate that the propositioned approach produces outcomes that are quite robust and consistent. Hence, the findings of this research can benefit public bus operators in choosing the ideal sites for electric charging stations. Finally, the formulated generic methodology is also easily applicable to diverse and complex multiple-criteria problems in the spherical fuzzy domain.

Deep Learning Based LSTM Model for Predicting the Number of Passengers for Public Transport Bus Operators

The bus public transportation system has low reliability and ability to predict the number of passengers. The accuracy of predicting the number of passengers by public transport bus operators is still weak, which results in failure to implement solutions by operators. A prediction model with LSTM based on deep learning is proposed to predict passengers for 4 bus public transportation operators (Go Bus, New Zealand Bus, Pavlovich, and Ritchies) which are evaluated by MSLE, MAPE, and SMAPE with variations in epoch, batch size, and neurons. The dataset is a CSV performance report on Auckland Transport (AT) New Zealand metro patronage buses (01/01/2019-07/31/2023). The best prediction model was obtained from the lowest evaluation value and relatively fast time at variations of epoch 60, batch size 16, and neurons 32. The prediction results on training and testing data improved with the suitability of the model tuning. The proposed prediction model performs predictions 12 months later for 4 predictions simultaneously with predicted fluctuations occurring simultaneously. Strong negative correlation on New Zealand Bus-Pavlovich, strong positive correlation on Go Bus with Ritchies and Pavlovich. Predictions that are less closely related and dependent are New Zealand Bus against Go Bus, Pavlovich, and Ritchies. The proposed prediction modeling can be used as a basis for creating operator policies and strategies to deal with passenger fluctuations and for the development of new prediction models.

The possibility of electrification in public transport bus services

From Shenzhen to Philadelphia and Izmir to Delhi, public bus operators around the world are increasingly using electric buses. Their choice is not only justified by support for the green transition or the reduction of background traffic noise: economic calculations regarding the entire life cycle cost also support the need for technological change. The article points out that the inclusion of electric vehicles in the service requires a complex approach and can bring a revolutionary change in our operation. The transport company can become a community service provider that occasionally provides balancing energy for energy supply systems (Vehicle-to-grid, i.e. V2G) or provides a virtual power plant service to the operators of photovoltaic power plants. The bus company can become a producer with independent network power generation capacity, which can sell the excess capacity it produces on the market to the owners of electric cars. The article presents the operating model that connects the transport, energy and battery industrial systems. Last but not least, batteries that have lost their capacity but are still usable can be resold for “storage” or other secondary purposes, even as uninterruptible power supplies. In order to implement the operation according to the model, Volánbusz Zrt. started building its data-driven ecosystem, which enables cost-optimized operation based on the data of an ever-growing electric bus fleet and the solutions of Industry 4.0 technology.

Has collaboration contributed to goal achievement in Swedish public transport?

Collaborative contracting between public transport authorities (PTAs) and bus operators has been presented as a successful method for reaching public transport policy goals. This paper examines management processes and outcome data, asking whether this management approach, incorporating more far-reaching collaborative elements, is associated with higher goal achievement in two Swedish regions and two contracts. Stated regional policy goals are ridership growth, reaching set levels of customer satisfaction, and some cost-efficiency. This management approach suggests that PTAs should delegate more planning responsibility to operators. PTA management assessed the approach to be valid but, to our surprise, also said that they frequently reclaimed previously abandoned control to secure desired outcomes. This indicates that more delegation may not necessarily have led to increased goal achievement. Without making claims as to causality, we note that ridership increased in both regions and individual contracts, while customer satisfaction stagnated and costs increased steeply in both regions, but not in one contract. The paper questions whether collaborative contracting, on average, has contributed to ridership increases generally, although it may have in some instances.

The accident-adjusted dynamic efficiency of public bus operators in metropolitan cities of India

PurposeThe study evaluates the accident-adjusted dynamic efficiency of public bus operators providing bus transportation services in eight major metropolitan cities of India.Design/methodology/approachThe slack-based measure (SBM)–undesirable window analysis approach is used to gauge the dynamic efficiency levels and identify the sources of inefficiency in bus transportation services. This innovative approach integrates the SBM model developed by Tone (2001, 2004) and the window analysis approach of Charnes et al. (1985). The main advantage of this approach is that one can explicitly incorporate the number of accidents in the production technology specification as an undesirable (bad) output and potently handle the issue of the “curse of dimensionality” in a small sample like ours.FindingsThe key empirical findings suggest wide variations in average efficiency levels across sample bus operators in metropolitan cities. The Chennai Transport Corporation is observed as the most efficient and consistent bus operator due to its most stable efficiency performance. The results additionally unveil that the role of managerial inefficiency was diminutive, and the scale-related issues were the real cause of sub-optimal or supra-optimal behaviour of sample bus operators in the resource-utilisation process.Practical implicationsThere is an urgent requirement for effective policy intercessions to mitigate the sizeable observed inefficiency in the production process and resolve scale-related issues of public bus operators offering transit services in major metropolitan cities of India.Originality/valueThis paper is maybe the first to assess the dynamic efficiency of public bus transit systems in India's major metropolitan cities after treating accidents.

Analysis of effects of prolonged travel delay on public bus operators' profit margin in metropolitan Lagos, Nigeria

This study examines the effects of uncertain travel time on public bus operators' monthly returns or profit margin in metropolitan Lagos, Nigeria. Importantly, the study relied on four objectives to achieve its purpose, and these are to; evaluate the demographic profile of public bus drivers; determine the daily cost of operating the buses and the percentage of bus returns spent on bus maintenance; analyze the bus running time and the associated cost attached to prolonged bus operations, and determine the number of trips made and lose daily due to prolonged journey time in metropolitan Lagos. The study relied on a survey research design and the use of primary data, which is derived from a questionnaire instrument administered at the three study locations. Further, the combination of clustered, stratified, and simple random sampling techniques was used while respondents (bus operators/drivers) were selected at different bus stop segments for questionnaire administration. The statistical correlation technique from the SPSS software was used for data relationship analysis, while descriptive tools were utilized for the presentation of the results. Furthermore, the severity of the problems encountered by bus operators shows that loss of daily revenue (52.9%) is the highest, followed by loss of bus trips (35.4%), and constant vehicle breakdown (11.7%). This poses a significant challenge to their business success as it grossly reduces their bus return and monthly profit margin. The study concluded that prolonged bus journey time has a negative socio-economic impact on the Intra-City public bus operators in metropolitan Lagos. Therefore, recommends among others: road highway expansion; provision of extended bus stop lay-bys, BRT corridor extension to other major highways, traffic agents' commitment and patriotism, and intensive enforcement of laws prohibiting bus stop obstructions by public bus drivers.

Total Cost of Ownership Model and Significant Cost Parameters for the Design of Electric Bus Systems

Without experiences of electric buses, public transport authorities and bus operators have faced questions about how to implement them in a cost-effective way. Simple cost modelling cannot show how costs for different types of electric buses differ between different routes and timetables. Tools (e.g., HASTUS, PtMS, and optibus) which can analyse such details are complicated, time consuming to use, and provide insufficient insights into the mechanisms that influence the cost. This paper therefore proposes a method for how to calculate total cost of ownership, for different types of electric buses, in a way which can predict how the cost varies based on route and timetable. The method excludes factors which cause minor cost variations in an almost random manor, in order to better show the fundamental mechanisms influencing different costs. The method will help in finding ways to reduce the cost and help to define a few cases which deserve a deep analysis with more complete tools. Testing of the method in a Swedish context showed that the results are in line with other theoretical and practical studies, and how the total cost of ownership can vary depending on the variables.

Network-level optimal control for public bus operation

The paper presents modeling, control and analysis of an urban public transport network. First, a centralized system description is given, built up from the dynamics of individual buses and bus stops. Aiming to minimize three conflicting goals (equidistant headways, timetable adherence, and minimizing passenger waiting times), a reference tracking model predictive controller is formulated based on the piecewise-affine system model. The closed-loop system is analyzed with three methods. Numerical simulations on a simple experimental network showed that the temporal evolution of headways and passenger numbers could maintain their periodicity with the help of velocity control. With the help of randomized simulation scenarios, sensitivity of the system is analyzed. Finally, infeasible regions for the bus network control was sought using by formulating an explicit model predictive controller.

A Psychometric Approach to the VIKOR Method for Eliciting Subjective Public Assessments

Based on the concepts of sensory thresholds, the Weber-Fechner Law in psychology has usually been applied to sensory dimensions. However, some neurophysiological studies have shown that assessment of mental numbers or numerical information also follows this law. Therefore this paper proposes a modification of VIKOR that reflects the Weber-Fechner law to account for nonlinearity in evaluation scales as perceived by decision-makers. The model is applied to a case where public approval of two different types of public bus operation systems considering six criteria is pursued. The results are compared with those obtained from the multi-attribute value method (MAVT). The suggested method inflates the relative attractiveness of the alternatives that are closer to the best solutions (used by VIKOR). A numerical example is also provided to illustrate the applicability of the approach. This method can be a useful tool where public opinions based on subjective perceptions in a public participation process are of particular interest rather than assessing verifiable facts, i.e., observable, measurable data.

Internal Benchmarking of Inter-City Public Bus Operators in India

Internal Benchmarking of Inter-City Public Bus Operators in India

Evaluation of service quality in public bus transportation using interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy QFD methodology

This study aims to develop a quantitative assessment framework for public bus operators to translate the passenger demands into service quality specifications. The results of a customer satisfaction survey, carried out to identify the passenger demands, are used as an input to measure the level of service quality in a public transport operator. Firstly, the number of customer satisfaction criteria is reduced with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and secondly the evaluation factors are identified with Quality Function Deployment (QFD). Both methods are integrated with an interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy (IVIF) approach to reflect the uncertainty in the QFD evaluations of decision makers. By this way, our approach synthesizes customer and design requirements via interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy QFD. The results show that the proposed method helps decision makers of public bus operators to focus on high priority areas so that they can effectively deploy their resources to address people's mobility needs.

Selecting an optimal contractual payment model for Istanbul's public bus operators using non-linear mathematical programming

In this study, an optimum payment model is suggested for Istanbul's public bus transport operators by modelling the expectations of passengers, operators and the transport authority. Their expectations also involve non-linear relationships, hence a non-linear mathematical programming is utilized in the paper. The commercial payment, gross-cost and performance-based gross cost payment models are the alternatives to be considered instead of the net-cost model due to its service quality problems in Istanbul's context. According to the model results, a gross cost payment model is recommended for Istanbul. By offering a consensus-based middle ground between the transport actors, the model provides a way for improvement in public transport service provision especially for developing cities where regulatory and institutional context is hard to change.

A Weighted Euclidean Distance based TOPSIS Method for Modeling Public Subjective Judgments

Public involvement in transportation planning and decision-making process is a key component for ensuring that decisions are made with consideration of public needs and preferences. In this paper, a weighted Euclidean distance based TOPSIS method (WEDTOPSIS) is developed for modeling such a public decision-making process. The Weber–Fechner psycho-physical law is adopted for behavioral modeling of human judgments. Distances to the positive-ideal and negative-ideal solutions of TOPSIS are converted to value measurement models using the Weber–Fechner law. The proposed method is applied on a case where public approval of two different types of public bus operation systems considering six criteria is sought. A numerical illustration is also provided to demonstrate the applicability of the approach. The method provides plausible results in terms of preferences, and shows a high agreement with the ordinary TOPSIS in terms of rankings. Another example showing disagreement on ranking is further analyzed to outline the discrepancies between the TOPSIS and WEDTOPSIS and to indicate the proposed model’s consistency with the behavioral theory. The results are also compared with the results of the additive multi-attribute value (MAVT) method for assessing the performance of the model. Based on the findings, using the proposed method as a decision support tool can be useful, particularly where public input is needed.

Improving Traffic Infrastructure in a Developing Country: An Investigation into the Usage of Public Bus Transport in Malaysia

Economic growth with rising household income has put more vehicles on the roads worsening traffic congestion, road accidents, and air and noise pollution. This situation is further aggravated by the potential working population who choose to drive to work instead of taking public transportation. Public bus transport (PBT) plays an important role in alleviating these problems. PBT is underutilized in Malaysia, and there is an opportunity to increase ridership without substantial investment. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the factors that influence the use of PBT in Malaysia. The data were collected using structured questionnaires from 400 respondents. The results of the analysis show that the twin factors consisting of perceived satisfaction of and perceived importance by users towards safety and comfort of facilities and services offered by PBT are significantly related to intention to use those services. The satisfaction of availability of season tickets, the importance of reliability of bus schedule and time table, and the importance of ticket pricing are also significant. By providing insights for both public bus operators and the government, this paper contributes to mitigate the underutilization of PBT in Malaysia and the consequences of putting more vehicles on the roads. From the theory perspective, this paper also contributes by extending the theory of reasoned-action to transportation studies.

Designing of the Urban Public Bus Operation Dispatch System

The urban public bus operation dispatch system is one of the most important systems in ITS (Intelligent Transportation System). This paper describes the system in detail, including the system’s architecture, the bus onboard equipment and the system’s software part etc. Through integrating the single chip module, GPRS module, GPS module and other modules, the bus onboard equipment is designed. According to the object-oriented software engineering ideas and using UML (Unified Model language), the software system is designed. Finally, the bus onboard equipment and the system software part can send information each other using GPRS technology. The system has been implemented using Visual Studio 2005 C# language and tested in laboratory.

English

This paper proposes a multicriteria model for assessing public bus operation systems based on the ELECTRE method in the city of Eskisehir, Turkey. In this specific problem, public and expert opinions towards the privatization of urban bus lines were collected through a comprehensive survey to determine the best operation system; either by the local authority or private operators. The data collected include the opinions of four different groups of people namely: system users, transportation administrators, civil organizations and experts in the transportation field. The ELECTRE model yielded that the privatization of the bus system is preferred (by 37 to 14 points) over its operation by the public entity (local municipality).   Key words: Decision support system, public bus operation, Electre method, public participation.

Bus Scheduling Model for Adjustment Headway of Bus Carriers

Nowadays, the total volume of passenger trip demand has increased due to population and economic growth. In this situation , government policy encourages people to use public transportation for inter-city trips. In the meantime, buses are the most widely used in transit technology today. The most important issue in buses service is timely arrival. Due to the limited capacity of the streets and increasing car production, we cannot devote a specific lane to bus operation to separate their operation from other traffic. Generally, actual arrival time of buses in comparison to planned arrival time occurs in three scenarios : sooner, on-time, and later. This article represents different scheduling model to achieve timely arrival. For this purpose we tested two different scenarios by actual public bus operation. The data was obtained in the city of Tehran, since Iran was used in this study.

Study Behaviour of Passengers on Transit Operation

Nowadays, delays problem are important issue in preparing schedule for public transportation. It is related to behaviour of passengers, behaviour of transportation means and interaction with traffic. Behaviour of passengers are including: demand patterns of passengers, fare payment and waiting time in station and in-vehicle. Behaviour of transportation means included fleet size and frequency of operation. The most interaction between public transportation and others traffic is in traffic congestion. In this paper, we studies different behaviour of passengers duration operation time in two points: in-station and in-vehicle. They are including: arrival rate of passengers, kinds of fare payment and waiting time. For illustrate behaviour of passengers on delays problem we survey they affects in bus operation. Hence, a case study based on an actual public bus operation in Tehran, Iran is used to demonstrate it.

Public Private Partnership in Intra-City Transport in Indore (Metro Taxi Case)

Indore is the commercial capital of M.P., the centrally located province of India. An unprecedented welcome change ushered in the lives of local population here on the 57th Republic Day of the nation i.e. 26th Jan 2006 when ultra-modern-low-floor buses started plying on various routes of the city and improved the public transport services to unimaginable levels. The cause of jubilation was a brainchild of the local municipal authorities. The model deployed was that of Public Private Partnership for the purpose of which a company by the name of Indore City Transport Services Ltd. (ICTSL) was incorporated on December 1, 2005 with an objective to operate and manage the public transport system of Indore. Buoyed by its success, ICTSL invited Expression of Interest (EOIs) from private players for operating radio cab services in Indore in October 2007. The original tender as solicited by ICTSL was for 100 taxis (two groups of 50 taxis each). The promoter company Prem Call Cabs Private Limited (PCCPL) – promoted by the biggest public bus operators in Indore, bagged contracts for both the groups. The case illustrates the evolution and execution of the project undertaken by PCCPL to operate the radio cab services in Indore. Detailed analysis of financials and feasibility issues raised in the case is intended to foster class discussion. Primarily an illustrative one, the case can be used for Project Appraisal and Finance or Large scale and infrastructure project finance course at MBA, CPA, Business Graduate and Undergraduate and Executive education programs. Teaching note is available at the end to facilitate the instructor.

Choice or Rank Data in Stated Preference Surveys?

Should researchers collect choice or rank data in stated preference (SP) surveys? Answer to this question can have significant implications on survey costs and modeling outputs available for policy analysis. In particular, the ex- ploded rank multinomial logit model (MNL) is compared with the ordinary choice-based MNL model. Using the empiri- cal SP rank data collected among the public light bus operators in Hong Kong, the selected modeling approaches are compared in terms of model assumptions, model fit, modeling outputs and policy implications. Besides, the reliability of the exploded rank data is tested. The mixed results suggest that extra care must be exercised in the design of SP ranking tasks.