Cost-saving properties of schedule coordination in a simple trunk-and-feeder transit system

The paper explores how the coordination of vehicle schedules in a public transit system affects generalized costs. We consider an idealized system that delivers its users to a common destination by requiring each to transfer from a feeder- to a trunk-line vehicle. Continuum models are used first to analyze cases in which the trunk-line vehicle schedule is given exogenously. We find that when feeder vehicles are dispatched in coordination with this exogenous trunk-line schedule, the reduction in user cost often outweighs the added cost to the feeder operation. In cases when the frequencies of trunk and feeder services can be established jointly, the models show that coordination can be Pareto improving, meaning that operator and user costs both diminish. Conditions that give rise to these cost savings are specified. Practical implications are discussed.

Record URL:
Availability:
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Supplemental Notes:
- Abstract reprinted with permission from Elsevier.
Authors:
- Sivakumaran, Karthikgeyan
- Li, Yuwei
- Cassidy, Michael J
- Madanat, Samer
Publication Date: 2012-1

Language

English

Media Info

Media Type: Print
Features: Figures; References; Tables;
Pagination: pp 131-139
Serial:
- Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice
- Volume: 46
- Issue Number: 1
- Publisher: Elsevier
- ISSN: 0965-8564
- Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09658564

Subject/Index Terms

TRT Terms: Benefit cost analysis; Cost effectiveness; Feeder services; Mathematical models; Public transit; Schedules and scheduling; Transit operating agencies
Uncontrolled Terms: Pareto optimum
Subject Areas: Economics; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

Accession Number: 01359088
Record Type: Publication
Files: TRIS
Created Date: Dec 16 2011 2:48PM