Use of Archived Bus Location, Dispatch, and Ridership Data for Transit Analysis

Some of the novel ways archived computer-aided dispatch (CAD), automatic vehicle location (AVL), and automatic passenger counter (APC) information have been used by the Champaign–Urbana Mass Transit District in Illinois in the past year are described. Geographic information system (GIS) tools were used to visualize and understand schedule deviation and passenger flow information for a bus route experiencing regular delays, and various ridership and operational performance analyses were performed. GIS made it easy to identify the problem blocks (bus assignments) and trips while allowing data visualization regarding spatial location and passenger flow. Another innovative application has used the archived screen messages in the CAD-AVL system to analyze the response times of dispatchers in the control room when an operator has initiated a request to talk to a supervisor. A Visual Basic script was developed to parse the extensive data, calculate response times for all requests, determine whether any requests were not answered at all, and identify vehicles in which attempts to establish contact were unsuccessful. This application helped verify operator complaints regarding delayed or absent responses, monitor dispatcher efficiency, and identify problems with the radio equipment.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.3141/1992-12
• 
• Summary URL:
  http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=Use+of+Archived+Bus+Location%2c+Dispatch%2c+and+Ridership+Data+for+Transit+Analysis&author=H.+Golani&publication_year=2007
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Public/Blurbs/159260.aspx
• Authors:
  • Golani, Hina
• Publication Date: 2007

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Maps; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 101-112
• Monograph Title: Transit: Management, Technology, and Planning
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
  • Issue Number: 1992
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automatic vehicle location; Bus transit operations; Geographic information systems; Passenger counting; Public transit; Transit operating agencies
• Identifier Terms: Visual Basic
• Uncontrolled Terms: Automated passenger counters; Computer aided dispatch (CAD)
• Geographic Terms: Champaign (Illinois)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01049256
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9780309104180
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Feb 8 2007 5:28PM