Comprehensive Evaluation of Urban Rail Transit Connecting Lines Planning

Urban rail transit connecting lines are the auxiliary lines connected to independent operating routes, which establish some connections amongst the lines and make the traffic network a whole. On the basis of analyzing the design method for connecting lines, this paper builds the evaluation index system of urban rail transit contacting lines considering economic efficiency, technical character, and environment factors. The evaluation indicators are then quantified. By determining the weights of these evaluation indexes, we use a comprehensive evaluation method to evaluate the connecting lines planning program. This provides a basis for the optimization and adjustment of such projects. The main function of the urban rail transit connecting lines is to play the role of urban rail transit network, to establish some connection between each line and ensure that traffic operations run smoothly (Mao, 2006). Evaluation of connecting lines planning holds an important position in the field of urban rail transit. Johnston et al. (1989) proposed a method of evaluation for rail transit projects based on economic theory and on practice in some agencies. Laird et al. (2009) applied the concepts of option values and non-use values to rail project appraisal. However, research surrounding the comprehensive evaluation method of urban rail transit connecting lines planning is still relatively rare.