OPTIMUM DIVERSITY IN THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT MARKET

Observers of the transportation field feel that the alleviation of road congestion lies in encouraging public transport, using small vehicles operating at high frequency. Many studies have advocated reducing the size of the standard bus. An as yet unexplored option is the operation of small vehicles catering to high-value-of-time travelers along with large vehicles serving low-value-of-time travelers. This paper explores the viability of these 2 types of vehicles serving the same route. It shows that the usefulness of introducing the 2nd type of vehicle depends on 2 factors: its effect on waiting, and its effect on cruising time. Two specialized carriers will increase the former, but will likely reduce the latter. The viability of 2 modes depends, therefore, on the importance of waiting time vs. vehicle time, the dispersion of the value of time, and the size of the market. When frequency and vehicle size are set optimally, congestion has little effect on whether a single mode or multiple modes should be operated, and should not affect the modal split.

  • Availability:
  • Corporate Authors:

    University of Bath

    Claverton Down
    Bath, Avon  United Kingdom  BA2 7AY
  • Authors:
    • Gronau, R
  • Publication Date: 2000-1

Language

  • English

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00791415
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS, ATRI
  • Created Date: Apr 19 2000 12:00AM