TECHNICAL PAPERS
Jan 1, 1984

Branched Transit Services: An Analysis

Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 110, Issue 1

Abstract

A method for optimizing the route structure and schedule for zonal transit services has been extended from one‐dimensional linear cases to two‐dimensional branched networks. The values of zone lengths, subroute lengths, and headways which minimize the sum of operator and user costs are determined by calculus in simple cases and a quasi‐Newton computer algorithm in more complex cases. Algebraic relations are derived which provide useful guidelines for optimal system design and greatly simplify sensitivity analysis. It is shown that user wait costs, user access costs, and vehicle operating costs should be equalized to minimize total costs. A case study is used to demonstrate the applicability of the method. The results confirm theoretical relations and indicate that considerable flexibility exists in adapting transit routes to irregular road networks and demand patterns without substantial cost increases.

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Go to Journal of Transportation Engineering
Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 110Issue 1January 1984
Pages: 112 - 128

History

Published online: Jan 1, 1984
Published in print: Jan 1984

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Shou‐min Tsao
Assoc Prof. of Civ. Engrg., National Taiwan Univ., Taipei, Republic of China
Paul Schonfeld, A. M. ASCE
Asst. Prof. of Civ. Engrg., Univ. of Maryland, College Park, Md.

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