Experimental Research on the Factors of Transit Stop Consolidation

Bus stop consolidation can be an effective way to enhance the operation and hence the ridership of bus services. A multi-level mixed factorial experimental method is developed to analyze the factors of probable impact on stop consolidation. The experiments are executed on a mathematical model that consolidates transit stops according to the potential users' travel time savings and accessibility. Six independent factors and three response variables were selected to run the experiments. The significance of the individual factors as well as their interaction levels were estimated. The findings indicated that the distance between the stops and the maximum walkable distance are the most influential factors. The passengers' activity and the percentage of decreased passengers were also found to be influential. The average cruising speed and the frequency of service have very little influence on the response variables. The study demonstrates the extent of influence of factors on consolidation decisions.