Design Methodology for Bus Transit Networks with Coordinated Operations

摘要

The aim of this project is to develop and test computer-based design proceduresfor the configuration of bus route networks in areas characterized by suburban spatial patterns, so as to maximize ridership capture and serve mobility needs in a cost-effective and energy efficient manner. The methodology incorporates three service dimensions that have heretofore been left out of systematic design procedures: route coordination, variable vehicle size and demand-responsive service. All three dimensions are particularly important in the design of transit service networks for areas encompassing significant suburban and exurban spatial development patterns. The solution approach consists of four components. A route generation procedure constructs sets of bus routes corresponding to different service concepts and trade-offs between users and operators. A network evaluation procedure determines route frequencies and vehicle sizes and computes a variety of system performance measures reflecting user and operator costs. A transit center selection procedure identifies the set of transit centers to support the implementation of timed-transfer design and demand responsive service. A network improvement procedure applies modifications to the set of routes generated by the route generation procedure to improve performance in terms of the user's and operator's perspectives. The solution approach is tested with a benchmark problem and with data generated from the transit system of Austin, Texas.