Public Transit Network Research Articles

EVALUATING THE URBAN PUBLIC TRANSIT NETWORK BASED ON THE ATTRIBUTE RECOGNITION MODEL

The aim of this paper is to propose an attribute recognition model, so that it can be used to simultaneously estimate the public transit network system. Based on the analysis of a variety of factors influencing the public transit network, quantitative research has been conducted with reference to the attribute recognition theory in order to make scientific decision‐making. On the basis of defining attribute measure, this paper presents the attribute recognition model suggesting the attribute recognition theory that can be used to evaluate the public transit network. The reliability of the new method can be explained using real data of the survey on the public transit network in China. The applied results offer scientific reference for instructing and controlling urban traffic by the Government. The main advantages of the new model are in contexts where internal linkage and shared inputs between activities can be considered. The structure of this mode is more realistic than that of the conventional one.

Estimation of origin-destination matrices for a multimodal public transit network

This paper presents a procedure for the estimation of origin-destination (O-D) matrices for a multimodal public transit network. The system consists of a number of favored public transit modes that are obtained from a modal split process in a traditional four-step transportation model. The demand of each favored mode is assigned to the multimodal network, which is comprised of a set of connected links of different public transit modes. An entropy maximization procedure is proposed to simultaneously estimate the O-D demand matrices of all favored modes, which are consistent with target data sets such as the boarding counts and line segment flows that are observed directly in the network. A case study of the Hong Kong multimodal transit network is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.

Finding the K shortest paths in a schedule-based transit network

Finding the shortest paths in a schedule-based public transit network is similar to finding the shortest paths in a network with multi-costs constrained and time-window constraints. We consider a schedule-based transit network, where each node in the network has a list of scheduled departure times for transit vehicles. The objective of this paper is to find out the first K shortest paths in a schedule-based transit network. An algorithm with a time complexity of O ( S ¯ 2 L ¯ 3 ) + O ( L ¯ 4 S ¯ R l max ) + O ( S ¯ L ¯ R l max K ( L ¯ 3 log ( L ¯ 3 ) + L ¯ 3 ) ) is proposed to enumerate these paths. We compare the time complexity of our algorithm with that of two existing path finding algorithms. We show that our algorithm has a better performance in computational time complexity than the two existing path finding algorithms, though it is only applicable if the number of transfers does not exceed 2. Also, for large sized real transit network, our algorithm determines the K shortest paths in a much shorter time frame than the existing two algorithms.

Public Transit Network Connectivity

The service reliability of public transit operations is gaining increased attention as agencies face immediate problems in providing credible service and attempting to reduce operational cost. Unreliable service has been cited as the major deterrent element for existing and potential passengers. Because most public transit attributes are of a stochastic nature—travel time, dwell time, demand, and so forth—the passenger is likely to experience unplanned waiting and riding times. Missed transfers are major contributors to the reliability issues of any transit system; therefore, this work focuses on the connectivity of the transit network with the reliability and comfort of transfers in multilegged trips. Because of the physical and spatial characteristics of the transit routes, it is possible to categorize the transfers into three types: nonadjacent transfer points, adjacent transfer points, and shared transfer points. Each type of transfer contributes differently to the degree of connectivity of the transit system. On the basis of transit network of routes, spatial-based performance indicators are introduced and defined. That is followed by results of a case study of the transit networks of two Israeli midsize cities.

Synchronous hybrid transport network design

Delay, as an inevitable real-world phenomenon, is usually ignored in transport network design. A model of urban hybrid transport system with stochastic delay was created on the basis of the idealized public transport system design. After formulating the total trip time cost composed of accessing time in the sub-region of the city, waiting time at the public transport station, and in-vehicle time in the public transit network, the analytical properties of the total trip time cost function were investigated. The results show that in the urban hybrid transport network design, the total trip time cost reaches its approximate minimum in a δ-neighbourhood of buffer time of 1.5 min, and that through modelling optimal delay in hybrid transport system, the maximal synchronization can be achieved and operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction can be improved. The proposed modelling and analytical investigations are attempts to contribute to more realistic modelling of future idealized public transport system that involves more practical constraints.

Models for the schedule optimization problem at a public transit terminal

This work deals with the proposal of some models for the schedule optimization problem for public transit networks. In particular, we consider the case of a transit terminal where passengers are supposed to split among different lines of a service, or even change mode of transportation in case of intermodal systems. Starting from a given schedule for the transit lines arriving at the terminal, the aim is to decide the optimal schedule for the output lines, in such a way to balance the operative costs of the service and the passenger waiting time at the transit terminal. We propose two different models for this problem, which present strong similarities with some well known combinatorial optimization models. Computational results are also presented, showing the suitability of the models to solve real case studies.

Measuring Public Transport Connectivity Performance Applied in Auckland, New Zealand

Bus and other public transit connectivity issues facilitate an understanding of the importance of transit planning in enhancing existing or new transit services. Improving transit connectivity is a vital task in transit operations planning. Passengers may stop using a transit service because of poor connections. Service design criteria always contain postulates to improve routing and scheduling coordination (intra- and interagency transfer centers or points and synchronized or timed transfers). Ostensibly, the lack of well-defined connectivity measures precludes weighing and quantifying the results of any coordination effort. A methodological framework and concepts are provided for quantifying transit connectivity measures. These new measures are applied in a case study of the Auckland, New Zealand, public transit network for possible revisions and changes.

The impact of Integrated Tariff Systems on public transport demand: Evidence from Italy

The increasing problems of pollution and traffic congestion require the definition of a model of sustainable mobility — in particular, in large, urban areas. An indirect control on these negative externalities associated with private transport may be pursued by means of policies aimed at improving quality and accessibility of public transit networks. To that end, one popular option is the design of an Integrated Tariff System (ITS): the crucial question remains whether such a policy can be effective in raising the number of public transport users. In this study, we use a twelve-year panel of 69 Italian public transit providers (with or without ITS) and estimate alternative specifications of the demand function. Results show that the impact due to ITS introduction is, on average, moderate. Results also highlight the importance of taking into account the specific features of ITS, such as its validity over an extended network, the availability of a single ticket option, and the application of zonal pricing schemes.

A New Computational Model for the Design of an Urban Inter‐modal Public Transit Network

Abstract: This article presents a computational model for the optimum design of an urban inter‐modal public transit network. A software tool based on this model was developed to provide useful reference for transport planners in carrying out service planning, routing, and scheduling for an inter‐modal transit network. The development of this model is briefly described here. A numerical example is used to illustrate its implementation. Results of sensitivity analyses demonstrate that it is capable of providing reasonable solutions and is responsive to changes in the planning environment.

Regulatory and environmental effects on public transit efficiency: a mixed DEA-SFA approach

This paper assesses the impact of regulatory and environmental factors and statistical noise on the efficiency of public transit systems within a DEA-based framework. Using a panel of Italian companies, we implement a DEA-SFA mixed approach based on [H.O. Fried et al. (2002) Journal of Productivity Analysis, 17(1–2), 157–174] to decompose DEA inefficiency measures into three components: exogenous effects, managerial inefficiency and stochastic events. Besides providing evidence on the determinants of input-specific efficiency differentials across companies, the results point out that managerial skills play a minor role, and emphasize the relevance of regulatory policies aimed at replacing cost-plus subsidization with high-powered incentive contracts as well as improving environmental conditions of public transit networks.

Measuring transit use variability with smart-card data

The potential of smart-card data for measuring the variability of urban public transit network use is the focus of this paper. Data collected during 277 consecutive days of travel on a Canadian transit network are processed for this purpose. The organization of data using an object-oriented approach is discussed. Then, measures of spatial and temporal variability of transit use for various types of card are defined and estimated using the data sets presented. Data mining techniques are also used to identify transit use cycles and homogenous days and weeks of travel among card segments and at various times of the year.

Performance evaluation of bus routes: A provider and passenger perspective

In this paper, the provision of bus services along different routes that comprise a public transit network is assessed taking into consideration, the service providers, the users and the societal perspectives. This model is based on Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) [Charnes, A., Cooper W.W., Rhodes, E., 1978. Measuring the efficiency of decision-making units. European Journal of Operational Research 2, 429–444] and derives from the Network Model in DEA [Färe, R., Grosskopf, S., 2000. Network DEA. Socio-Economic Planning Sciences 34, 35–49] and Goal Programming in DEA [Athanassopoulos, A., 1995. Goal programming and data envelopment analysis (GoDEA) for target-based multi-level planning: allocating central grants to the Greek local authorities. European Journal of Operational Research 87, 535–550]. This proposed approach enables the decision maker not only to optimally allocate resources across the transit network but to achieve targets for societal variables that represent the environment in which the bus services are provided.

Policy insights from the urban road pricing case studies

This article reviews and compares the results of four modelling case studies of urban road pricing implementation that were carried out for the MC-ICAM project. The studies all concern large cities in Western Europe (Paris, Brussels, Oslo and Helsinki) and they all examine phased implementation paths in which constraints on the set of policy instruments are progressively relaxed. However, the studies used different models that vary with respect to the endogenous dimensions of traveller behaviour, the level of detail in which road and public transit networks are represented, and assumptions about what policy instruments are available and what constraints apply.

Minimizing Transfer Times in Public Transit Network with Genetic Algorithm

This paper presents a systemwide approach based on a genetic algorithm for the optimization of bus transit system transfer times. The algorithm attempts to find the best feasible solution for the transfer time optimization problem by shifting existing timetables. It makes use of existing scheduled timetables and ridership data at all transfer locations and takes into consideration the randomness of bus arrivals. The complexity of the problem is mainly due to the use of a large set of binary and discrete variables. The combinatorial nature of the problem results in a significant computational burden, and thus it is difficult to solve with classical methods. Scheduling data from Broward County Transit, Florida, were used to calculate total transfer times for the existing and proposed systems. Results showed that the algorithm produced significant transfer time savings.

Minimizing Transfer Times in Public Transit Network with Genetic Algorithm

This paper presents a systemwide approach based on a genetic algorithm for the optimization of bus transit system transfer times. The algorithm attempts to find the best feasible solution for the transfer time optimization problem by shifting existing timetables. It makes use of existing scheduled timetables and ridership data at all transfer locations and takes into consideration the randomness of bus arrivals. The complexity of the problem is mainly due to the use of a large set of binary and discrete variables. The combinatorial nature of the problem results in a significant computational burden, and thus it is difficult to solve with classical methods. Scheduling data from Broward County Transit, Florida, were used to calculate total transfer times for the existing and proposed systems. Results showed that the algorithm produced significant transfer time savings.

Regulating Public Transit Networks: How do Urban-Intercity Diversification and Speed-up Measures Affect Firms' Cost Performance?

Empirical studies on the cost structure of Public Transit Networks are mainly based on specialized firms providing urban or intercity services. In this study we estimate a translogarithmic variable cost function to assess the behaviour of returns to scale and the impact of network characteristics. The analysis is based on a sample of 45 Italian municipal companies observed from 1996 to 1998 and including both specialized and mixed transit operators. Results confirm previous evidence on the existence of natural monopoly in the industry and support a regulation introducing competitive tenders to access to the market. In addition, we provide insights about the advantages associated with urban-intercity diversification and with the improvement of network commercial speed. Cost benefits can then be achieved by promoting mergers between neighbouring firms, so as to create new companies operating on integrated local networks and supplying in combination urban and intercity public transport. Implications of such a strategy for the design of tender mechanisms are also underlined, together with the need for a regulatory policy which takes more care of speed-up measures.

GENERAL STRUCTURE OF AN INTER-MODE PUBLIC TRANSPORT INFORMATION SYSTEM BASED ON WEB TECHNOLOGY

In this paper, an information system based on Web technologies is described. The system gives information about the Canary Islands' public transit network. The Web techniques and methods used in the system's development are detailed. The main aspect of this system that differs from most existing systems on the Internet is its intermodal and integrated nature, covering information from transport companies of various natures and dimensions.

Design of public transit network in urban area with elastic demand

AbstractThis research focuses on an efficient design of transit network in urban areas. The system developed is used to create, analyze and optimize routes and frequencies of transit system in the network level. The analysis is based on elastic demand, so the shift of demand between modes in network due to different service level is of prime consideration. The developed system creates all feasible routes connecting all pairs of terminals in the network. Out of this vast pool of routes, a set of optimal routes is generated for a certain predetermined number that maintains connectivity of significant demand. Based on these generated routes, the system fulfils transportation demand by assigning demand that considers path and route choices for non‐transit users and transit users. Together with the assignment of demand, transit frequencies are optimized and the related fleet‐size is calculated. Having an optimal setting of solution, the system is continued by reconnecting the routes to find some other better solutions in the periphery of the optimal setting. A set of mathematical programming modules is developed. Real data from Sioux Falls city network is used to evaluate the performance of the model and compare with other heuristic methods.

Optimal Service Synchronization in Public Transport

In this paper two schedule synchronization problems in public transit network are formulated and solved. The first is concerned with a transfer synchronization when passengers changing transit lines at transfer points. The stochastic version of QSAP (Quadratic Semi-Assignment Problem) formulation is developed together with the efficient computer solution method. The second is concerned with the headways harmonization problem i.e. synchronization of different transit lines on a common segment of routes. Illustrative real-life bus lines examples demonstrate the utility of these two proposals.

Toronto's rapid transit expansion program

The article describes the major projects that comprise Toronto's Rapid Transit Expansion Program, which will extend and improve the public transit network in the Greater Toronto Area. The article gives an overview of the professional services and construction for the Sheppard Subway, Eglinton West Subway and Wilson Yard Expansion projects, which have been approved by the Government of Ontario. The article also discusses funding for the project.