Quality Of Transport Services Research Articles

Alighting location estimation from public transit data: a case study of Shenzhen

ABSTRACT This study proposes a framework to estimate alighting locations from Smart Card Data (SCD) that are absent information on entry-only public transport systems such as buses and trams. The proposed method uses the characteristics of SCD to (i) determine boarding locations from SCD and GPS-bus data based on exact match and time windows using common attributes, (ii) infer individuals’ home locations and user types from multimodal SCD, (iii) estimate alighting locations using inferred information with different scenarios such as with and without home locations based on the type of users. Reliable results are obtained once home locations are identified with high confidence for all user types. The proposed framework is applied to Shenzhen, China as a case study to validate the proposed model's effectiveness. The study offers valuable insight into aligning location estimation from user types to optimise the quality of public transport planning and services.

Comparing the Quality of Long-Distance Bus Transport Services in Ghana to Sierra Leone

ABSTRACT This study wishes to reveal the gap between perceptions and expectations of the quality of services offered by long-distance bus transport services in Ghana and Sierra Leone. The study also reveals if there are differences, with statistical significance, in the sample response due to the three variants which are pre-departure, departure, and arrival. The research uses the SERVQUAL instruments which have been applied to a random sample of 107 persons from both countries. The study outcomes show that the expectations are higher than the perceptions in terms of all dimensions in both countries and also demonstrate the differences among pre-departure, departure, and arrival variants among the two countries. The study provides suggestions to raise the quality of services delivered to passengers on those long-distance transport buses.

Формування умов ефективного функціонування транспортної системи автотранспортного підприємства

Road transport enterprises must constantly pay attention to increasing the efficiency of the production of quality transport services, in accordance with the requirements and expectations of consumers. During the production and provision of transport services, the flow of production processes in the transport system, problems often arise in the external and internal environment of the enterprise, which require a mandatory solution. The most common problems include the following: non-compliance of technical means with the requirements and expectations of service consumers in terms of the quality of passenger service, ensuring the necessary conditions for cargo transportation; significant negative impact of the transport process on the natural environment; not fully ensuring the safety of passenger transportation and ensuring the safety of traffic on the roads; imperfection of the system, methods, mechanism of planning and monitoring of transportation processes; imperfection of regulatory and legal regulation and control of the technical condition of vehicles in the organization of transportation; the level of driver training is not always sufficient. When conducting research on the organization of transport processes and ensuring traffic safety on roads, the enterprise must use a methodical approach to evaluate the process of production of transport services, the functioning of the enterprise's production process, which must include three main stages: development of indicators and mechanisms for evaluating the flow of processes; assessment of the efficiency of the transportation process; analysis of assessment results and development of measures to improve service production processes. The main tasks of improving the processes of service production are the formation of the transport system of the enterprise, which includes: transport flows, personnel and technical support of transport, road environment in the transport zone. The transport system and all its constituent parts must be provided with means of monitoring and mechanisms of influence and improvement of the processes of production of transport services. The process of improving the functioning of the enterprise's transport system should be conducted in three important directions: monitoring the transport process, studying and analysing the service market and taking into account the requirements and expectations of consumers, using calculation methods to determine negative impacts on the process and developing measures and mechanisms to prevent them.

Public transport reliability in growing cities: the case of Asokore Mampong, Ghana

ABSTRACT The reliability of public transport systems is often reported in transportation literature as an essential factor in assessing the quality of urban transport services. Studies have largely examined the effects of transport reliability from the perspective of both customers and operators. Policies and interventions have been largely based on the experiences in developed countries, with a dearth of studies within the global south, particularly Africa, with rapidly urbanizing cities and where the transport sector is largely informal with several reliability challenges. This paper thus examines the reliability of public transport services in Ghanaian cities, using Asokore Mampong Municipality as a case study. Using a sample of 250 passengers interviewed at various bus terminals in the Municipality, the paper establishes five factors – the number of stops to pick up and drop off passengers, overaged and rickety vehicles, congestion on the roads, frequent breakdown of vehicles, and the number of vehicles available as affecting the reliability of public transportation in the study area. The paper establishes that public transportation in the study area is unreliable regarding waiting and boarding times of operating vehicles and recommends an effective regulation of public transport operators by the Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly to improve reliability.

Optimal bus service frequency setting and limited-stop operation with varying vehicle capacity limit

With the advancement of Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) technology, it becomes feasible to perceive the diverse needs of various passengers with sensory equipment, offering potential for further enhancing the quality of bus services. Vehicle capacity limit is a pivotal factor for both bus operators and passengers, wherein higher capacities are associated with increased profitability but potentially compromise passenger comfort. The significance of establishing optimal vehicle capacity limits cannot be overstated. Nevertheless, existing researches usually use a fixed vehicle capacity, neglecting the varied needs of passengers at different stations. Notably, the strong demand of elderly and long-distance travelling passengers for seating are frequently ignored. This study introduces a novel framework for determining flexible vehicle capacity limits, which considers the percentage of elderly and long-distance passengers, as informed by station-specific sensor data and historical origin-destination data. Furthermore, it optimizes bus service frequencies to minimize operational costs while enhancing the level of service offered by buses. The quality of public transportation services is improved, addressing the diverse demands of passengers.

Assessment of operational performance and service quality in inland waterway transport: A case study of Warri Southwest, Nigeria

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the operational performance and service quality of inland waterway transport in Warri Southwest, Nigeria, by examining the factors that influence them. Methodology: The study employs a quantitative research approach, using a structured questionnaire to collect data from 180 respondents. The data is analyzed using regression analysis and a structural equation model (SEM) with the help of PLS Software Version 13.0. Results: The findings indicate that cargo clearance, infrastructure quality, and storage facilities significantly influence the performance of agent operation in inland waterway transport (p=0.000). Staff performance also directly impacts the provision of logistical services, which affects customer service. However, jetty operations do not promote operational performance (p=0.075). Additionally, staff performance does not significantly influence the association between jetty operation and performance and the relationship between cargo clearance and infrastructure level (p=0.136, 0.388). Theoretical contribution: This study contributes to the literature on inland waterway transport by providing empirical evidence on the factors influencing operational performance and service quality. The findings can help inform the development of policies and strategies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of inland waterway transport in Nigeria and other similar contexts. Practical implications: The study's recommendations include improving the quality of infrastructure, cargo clearance processes, and storage facilities to enhance operational performance. Additionally, investing in staff training and development can improve the provision of logistical services and, in turn, customer service. The study also suggests that the government and relevant stakeholders should prioritize the development of inland waterway transport to unlock its potential for socio-economic development, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

Assessing Service Quality and Passenger Satisfaction: A Quantitative Study of Sea Transportation on the Padang Mentawai

Sea transportation is a vital component of the transportation network, with the Ship Sabuk Nusantara 68 serving as a key sea transport vessel under the Indonesian National Shipping Limited Liability Company (PT) (PELNI). Operating between Padang City and Mentawai Island, this passenger ship plays a crucial role in connecting these destinations. However, despite its importance, complaints regarding the quality of sea transportation services, particularly on the KMP Sabuk Nusantara 68 route between Padang and Mentawai, have been voiced by passengers.In response to these concerns, this research was conducted to assess the levels of service quality and passenger satisfaction. The study aimed to identify priority factors for enhancing service performance and passenger satisfaction. Employing a quantitative method, researchers utilized questionnaires as research instruments, with data analyzed using the Likert scale and the Important and Performance Analysis (IPA) methodology.The findings revealed that overall service quality was satisfactory, with passenger satisfaction levels reaching 89.12%. However, further improvements are still needed, particularly in areas such as ship cleanliness, which emerged as a critical aspect requiring immediate enhancement. Therefore, while passengers are generally content with the services provided, there is still room for improvement to ensure a consistently high level of service performance and passenger satisfaction.

A comparative MADM approach for prioritizing factors influencing service quality of Intermediate Public Transport as access mode to metro stations in Delhi, India

A comparative MADM approach for prioritizing factors influencing service quality of Intermediate Public Transport as access mode to metro stations in Delhi, India

Improving interest in public, active, and shared travel modes through nudging interventions

Nudging is a popular approach to changing behavior by designing interventions to encourage, for instance, sustainable or healthy actions without necessarily limiting freedom of choice. Nudging could show particular potential in changing travel behavior by providing governments with softer policy options to reduce the negative impacts of private vehicles in urban areas. This study examines the efficacy of nudging in changing interest in using public transport, active modes, and carsharing in Flanders, Belgium (n = 292), focusing on moral nudges, highlighting individual and social benefits, and norm nudges, using social pressure to promote appropriate behavior, through independent and paired sample t-tests, ANOVA mean-comparison tests, and multiple linear regression models. Results indicate that moral nudging is effective overall, but particularly for improving interest in carsharing, potentially providing an option for individuals wanting to make environmentally and socially conscious choices without drastically changing their lifestyles. Norm nudging was effective for public transport and especially active travel, indicating that mobility cultures and social acceptance are important to these modes. Attitudes toward public transport and carsharing were important to nudge susceptibility. Women might have greater concerns about making environmentally moral choices, resulting in higher moral nudge susceptibility, particularly for active travel, and trips taken with companions might be more easily swayed toward active modes. Those with greater time flexibility who are younger might be a target group for carsharing, especially when influenced by moral arguments, while older retired and full-time employed individuals may not be willing to give up their private cars and carsharing may not be practical for families with children. Nudging might be effective in changing travel behavior in conjunction with other policy measures to promote sustainable and healthy transport, ideally through a nudge unit to test, advise, and implement these subtle nudges. Further, the location, quality of transport services, and geographical density of cities are crucial aspects regarding the effectiveness of nudges in real-life scenarios.

Forecasting train arrival delays on the Ankara – Eskişehir high-speed line in Turkey

Railway operations may experience delays due to technical issues or weather conditions. Accurate prediction of such delays can enhance the quality of rail transport services and the effectiveness of railway operations. The study has developed the arrival delay prediction model using random forest regression based on the train operation data from the Ankara - Eskişehir high-speed train line in Turkey. The model can simultaneously predict arrival delays at all downstream stations on this line and continuously update these predictions as new information about train movements becomes available. The accuracy rates of the model vary from 76% to 99% under a 1-min prediction error. The results show that incorporating variables related to weather conditions and technical problems related to train control systems into the model improves prediction performance. The contribution of these variables to the model performance increases as the prediction horizon widens. The model results suggest that the model predictions may assist network managers in making better decisions about train operations. In order to evaluate the model's performance from the passengers' point of view, the study has proposed two methods: the proportion of late predictions and the stability of forecasts. The findings indicate that most trains (between 96.7% and 99%) have stable arrival delay predictions at target stations. The proportion of 2-min (or greater) late predictions, which means that the predicted delay exceeds the actual delay by 2 min or more, fluctuates from 14% to 0.5%, depending on the prediction horizon. Although the ratio for the short horizons (one station ahead) becomes relatively low, it is necessary to be cautious when using the model predictions to inform passengers because a prediction of more than 1 min late for short horizons might have negative consequences (e.g., misleading passengers to leave stations).

Automation proposal applied to Trolleybus current collector

Automation proposal applied to Trolleybus current collector

An instance-based transfer learning model with attention mechanism for freight train travel time prediction in the China–Europe railway express

Since the inception of the China–Europe Railway Express (CRE), rail transportation has emerged as a predominant means of transporting goods across international borders. The quality and reliability of railway transport services are constrained by the precision of train travel times. However, the real-time data available for the CRE trains is rather limited due to the volume and duration of operations, which increases the difficulty of forecasting CRE train travel times. In order to enhance the accuracy of predictions, a novel two-stage transfer learning model with the Long Short-Term Memory attention (T.R2_LSTM_A) is introduced in this study. By incorporating attention mechanisms, the Long Short-Term Memory networks (LSTM) module, the two-stage TrAdaBoost.R2 algorithm, and transfer learning (TL), the model captures the inherent characteristics of time series data and attains a high level of accuracy in predictions. This approach effectively mitigates the limitations of current transfer learning methods, which are primarily caused by insufficient sample data. In the model, an instance-based TL method is utilized to address the shortcomings of insufficient data, and an attention-based LSTM is selected as a base learner to overcome the thorny issues of gradient disappearance and explosion. Additionally, LSTM Attention (LSTM_A), a novel attention mechanism, is introduced to improve the ability of the proposed model to capture complicated characteristics. The T.R2_LSTM_A model is systemically evaluated and shown to be superior to Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Regression (SVR), LSTM, convolution-based LSTM (CLSTM), AdaBoost_LSTM, LSTM with attention mechanism (LSTM_Attention), and TrAdaBoost.R2_RF (T.R2_RF) for predicting train travel time, using a real-life case study of CRE. The MSE, RMSE, MAPE, and MAE values for the T.R2_LSTM_A model are equal to 5.572, 2.361, 2.578, and 1.767, respectively. These values surpass those of other widely used prediction methods, indicating that the T.R2_LSTM_A model is well-suited for predicting train travel times in the CRE.

International Practice of Liner Container Shipping Regulation in the Transport System

Effective regulatory and legal framework in this field has several positive advantages for the transportation participants. A significant place in the article is given to ensuring the principle of “common carrier” for access of a wide range of consumers to the container carriers service. In connection with the transformation both of supply chains and logistics flows under conditions of new foreign economic factors along with the emergence of new shipping lines on the Russian container market the relevance of this topic will continue to increase.Aim. To consider the aspects of normative and legal regulation of liner container shipping in the USA, EU, PRC and the Russian Federation.Tasks. To analyze the strategies of shipping lines on the Russian and global markets, to identify key regulatory legal acts of foreign countries in the sphere of liner container shipping, to identify the features of the Russian legislation in this sphere and the ways of its development.Methods. Regulatory legal acts of the USA, EU, PRC and the Russian Federation were collected, which play an extremely important role in the development of international container transportation and increasing the competitiveness of foreign economic activity.Results. The research of relevant legal frameworks and instruments of state regulation of sea container lines activity to ensure non-discriminatory access of consumers of transportation services, public availability of information about liner container services, high quality of transportation services for foreign economic relations was carried out.Conclusions. In modern foreign economic conditions, alliances and various forms of carrier cooperation are the subject of state regulation of liner container shipping in order to protect competition on the market. The legislation of the USA and the Russian Federation establishes compulsory publication of shipping line tariffs, while according to the provisions of the PRC legislation shipping lines provide their tariffs to the freight exchange, which is authorized by the competent state body. In addition, international experience shows that sea lines “Common carriers” are subject to a number of other requirements. In the Russian Federation, sea container transportation is carried out by both liner and tramp vessels due to the fact that the certain carriers are not registered as shipping line operators and information about some regular container services is limited.

IS THE DEPENDENCE OF PASSENGER STRESS ON THE PERCEIVED QUALITY OF TRANSPORTATION IS MORE COMPLEX THAN WE INTENDED? EXPANDING THE METHODOLOGICAL BASIS OF RESEARCH AND DECISION MAKING

Purpose. Development of a methodological basis for measuring the dependence of passenger’ stress on the perceived quality of public transport service. Its achievement will contribute to certainty in management situations, when the task of the transport operator's management is to reduce the stress level of passengers. Research methodology: Research methodology: First survey was conducted by the Joint Stock Company "Ukrainian Railway". We found the most important attributes of the quality of transport service for passengers by types of wagons, the advantages and disadvantages of trip, the desired vectors of the customer value of the transport service. The second survey was conducted in the Luxembourg on the travel behavior of residents and commuters from neighboring countries. The results showed that the quality of the transport service perceived by the passenger is the main factor of stress. The dependence of passengers' stress level on attributes and aggregated perceived quality is complex. Therefore, when studying it, it is necessary to apply measurements along many dimensions. Scientific novelty. An important interest of transport operator is the dependence of passenger stress on the perceived quality of transport service. Point-oriented approaches to its study do not provide complete information that the management of the transport operator needs when developing measures to reduce passenger stress. The literature on passenger stress is analyzed from the point of view of the completeness of management information, which is necessary for transport operator to reduce passenger stress. The results of the literature review are checked in the authors' own research, which they conducted in Ukraine and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. New approaches to measurement of the dependence between passenger stress and the perceived quality of transport service are proposed. They form a broader methodological basis for research and management in this area. Practical significance. The application of the proposed approaches by the management of the transport operator will allow it to make decisions on regulating the quality of the transport service in order to reduce the stress of passengers on the basis of more complete management information.

Качество обслуживания потребителей как критерий повышения конкурентоспособности транспортных компаний при доставке грузов

Modern conditions in the service market orient the country's transport companies to the availability and quality of transport and logistics services in the field of freight traffic, the conditions for creating their quality while reducing the level of transport costs. Many companies appear in the road transport industry offering a different set of services related to the delivery of goods, such as information, commercial, technological, service, etc. However, despite the presence of a significant number of such companies in the transport services market, most of the customers are not satisfied with the quality of their provision, since along with the growth of competition, the requirements imposed by consumers on the quality of such services also increase. To meet these requirements, it is necessary to study the needs of consumers, determine the capabilities of competitors, establish and implement a marketing strategy. In order for the consumer to be guided in the market of motor transport services in the work on choosing an algorithm for choosing a transport company, which was based on ranking the identified indicators of the quality of transport services, measuring them for consumers and calculating the rating of transport companies, evaluating the delivery of goods. This technique helps the consumer to make a choice, giving preference to a company with the highest integral rating of transport services, therefore, the highest level of quality of services provided. To increase the number of customers and increase revenues, transport companies need to improve the quality of transport services through an individual approach to each client and his requests. The competitive advantage will be the one that can respond flexibly to changing customer requirements for transportation services and at the same time provide better quality services.

Determination of demand for freight rail transportation. The relationship between the quality of transport services and demand

In the modern world, rail transport plays a huge role in ensuring the economic and social stability of the state. Due to its reliability, accessibility and safety, rail transport is able to meet the needs of a wide variety of population groups and sectors of the economy. One of the important aspects of the functioning of railway transport is its ability to provide efficient and high-quality cargo transportation services.In this regard, the purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between the demand for freight transportation and the level of service in the context of railway infrastructure. We rely on the non-price elasticity method to determine more precisely how changes in the quality of service can the demand for freight rail transportation.To achieve this goal, a number of tasks have been analyzed, such as analyzing the current state of railway transport, studying the possibilities of its growth and development, determining the current needs of the market and assessing the compliance of the services provided with these needs. In addition, the system of forecasting the demand for rail freight, based on the analysis of financial, economic and quantitative indicators, is considered. The first determine the capital costs of upgrading the current state of the infrastructure, focused on the repair and renewal of fixed assets. The latter determine the volume values of the cargo turnover and the average weight of the train. It is also necessary to develop a step-by-step methodology for determining the coefficient of non-price elasticity, to illustrate the dependence of demand for transportation on the level of quality of transport services.All this made it possible to determine how effective and expedient the existing cargo transportation service system is.The choice of this topic is due to the increasing need to increase the stability and reliability of railway transport, increase its accessibility and safety, as well as improve the quality of services provided. Thus, the identification of the relationship between the demand for rail freight and their quality based on the methodology of non-price elasticity contributes to the optimization of railway transport, improving its competitiveness, and stimulates the economic growth of the country.

Management of Marketing Activities in the Passenger Transportation System

An analysis of the factors influencing the decline in the quality of transport services provided to the population is presented, and a solution to the problem of increasing the level of transport services to consumers is given. In conclusion, it is concluded that the regulated market model is the most flexible and viable governance model.

Uncovering the Heartbeat of Public Transport in Klang Valley—Is Your Journey Satisfying?

This paper explores the essential elements of public transport service quality to enhance commuter preferences in Klang Valley, Malaysia. It specifically investigates reliability, assurance, tangible aspects, and responsiveness as key dimensions impacting customer satisfaction while riding on public transport among the urban residents in the Kuala Lumpur urban area. The study's main aim is to examine relationships among these dimensions and their overall influence on customer satisfaction using quantitative methods, with multiple linear regression analysis and convenience sampling used. The research seeks to capture a representative sample size to provide insights for targeted improvements in the overall public transport system.

Exploring community satisfaction in building an innovative android-based mobile survey application for people travelling to Mentawai Island

This research aims to develop and evaluate an android-based mobile survey application to measure passenger satisfaction with transportation service standards to Mentawai Island. The application that has been developed will help in the evaluation process so that the improvement of sea transportation services can be improved. This study used the 4D development model and involved 30 passengers of the Mentawai Fest Ship as research subjects. The research instruments used were a validation questionnaire and a practicality test. A survey of public satisfaction with transportation services to Mentawai Island using an Android-based application will be developed, implemented, and evaluated. The results show that the application effectively meets the community's needs, shows high validity, and provides a convenient feedback mechanism for users. Overall, these findings contribute to efforts aimed at improving the quality of transportation services and the overall passenger experience.

КОМПЛЕКСНА ОЦІНКА ЯКОСТІ НАДАНИХ ПОСЛУГ ПАСАЖИРАМ ЗАЛІЗНИЧНОГО ТРАНСПОРТУ, ЯК СТРАТЕГІЧНИЙ ІНСТРУМЕНТ ДЛЯ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ЕКОНОМІЧНОГО УСПІХУ ЗАЛІЗНИЧНИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ

The article addresses the important issue of assessing service quality in the railway passenger transport sector. The author of the article tackles this problem by developing and proposing a modified methodology for evaluating the quality of passenger transport services by rail. The main goal of the research was to determine an integrated indicator of service quality using an economic-mathematical model. The article provides a detailed description of the essence and peculiarities of the developed methodology, highlighting key aspects of assessing the quality of railway passenger transport services. Special attention is paid to the analysis and determination of the advantages of the proposed approach compared to existing methodologies, particularly in the selection of indicators for assessing the quality of railway passenger transport services. The features of service quality assessment at three key stages: before the trip, during the trip, and after the trip, are discussed, taking into account the specifics of railway transport. The obtained results allow determining an integrated indicator reflecting the overall level of passenger service at all stages. The elucidation of the peculiarities of the proposed methodology and its effectiveness in the context of railway transport allows the author to draw reasoned conclusions about the level of passenger service and identify directions for further research in this area. The developed methodology opens up new opportunities for collecting and analyzing data on the quality of passenger service in railway transport, contributing to further optimization and improvement of passenger transportation by «Ukrzaliznytsia».