Application of a new rapid transit network design model to bus rapid transit network design: case study Isfahan metropolitan area

The problem of Rapid Transit Network Design (RTND) is studied in this paper. Due to the noticeable contribution of rapid transit lines in public transportation network of large urban areas, this problem is interesting to the transportation specialists. On the other hand, the success stories of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in different countries have motivated us to study BRT network planning. BRT systems can be developed with less investment costs and construction time in comparison with rail-based systems. Therefore, planning Bus Rapid Transit lines, either to develop a new rapid transit network or extend a current one can be an interesting research topic. This problem, like other network design problems is difficult to solve for large scale networks. In this study, a mixed-integer mathematical model that addresses the Transit Network Design Problem (TNDP) is presented. The objective function of the model is maximization of trip coverage. To solve the model, an algorithm is proposed and implemented in C# environment. The main modules of the algorithm are the following: (1) routes generation, (2) search tree, (3) solution evaluation, and (4) inference. In Route Generation module, the candidate transit route set is determined. Afterwards, the Search Tree module provides a strategy which guarantees that all feasible combinations can be considered in the search process. To evaluate the performance of each transit route combination, a transit assignment algorithm is used in the Solution Evaluation part. Finally, the intelligence core of the search process, that is called Inference, helps the algorithm to find parts of the search space which cannot contain the optimal solution. The algorithm is tested on a real size network, i.e., the extension of the Greater Isfahan rapid transit network with BRT routes. The output of the algorithm is the set of BRT routes that maximizes the daily trip coverage index while satisfying the budget constraint. By solving the case study problem, it is shown that our proposed model and algorithm are capable of tackling real size rapid transit network design problems. First published online: 16 Oct 201

Mobility and Equity for New York's Transit-Starved Neighborhoods: The Case for Full-Featured Bus Rapid Transit

New York City's public transportation system moves millions of people every day. But an increasing number who live in outer borough neighborhoods are stuck with unreliable transit options and long travel times tracked in hours, not minutes.It does not have to be this way.Developed by the Pratt Center for Community Development and funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, this report highlights the limitations of New York City's current public transit system, the adverse effects those limitations have on our economy and quality of life, and the role Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) can play in remedying these transit inequities.BRT has transformed cities across the world from Mexico City to Barcelona to Cleveland. At a fraction of the cost to build just a mile of subway rail, BRT gives riders a reliable way to get where they need to go.BRT is effective. It is innovative. And it could be the solution for New York's transit-starved neighborhoods

Bus Rapid Transit: A Handbook for Partners, MTI Report 06-02

In April 2005, the Caltrans Division of Research and Innovation (DRI) asked MTI to assist with the research for and publication of a guidebook for use by Caltrans employees who work with local transit agencies and jurisdictions in planning, designing, and operating Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems that involve state facilities. The guidebook was also to assist to transit operators, local governments, community residents, and other stakeholders dealing with the development of BRT systems. Several areas in the state have experienced such projects ( San Diego , Los Angeles , San Francisco , and Alameda County ) and DRI wished to use that experience to guide future efforts and identify needed changes in statutes, policies, and other state concerns. Caltrans convened a Task Team from the Divisions of Research and Innovation, Mass Transportation, and Operations, together with stakeholders representing many of those involved with the BRT activities around the state. Prior to MTI’s involvement, this group produced a white paper on the topic, a series of questions, and an outline of the guidebook that MTI was to write. The MTI team conducted case studies of the major efforts in California, along with less developed studies of some of the other BRT programs under development or in early implementation phases around the state. The purpose was to clarify those issues that need to be addressed in the guidebook, as well as to compile information that would identify items needing legislative or regulatory action and items that Caltrans will need to address through district directives or other internal measures. A literature scan was used to develop a bibliography for future reference. The MTI team also developed a draft Caltrans director’s policy document, which provides the basis for Caltrans’ actions. This ultimately developed to be a project within a project. MTI submitted a draft document to Caltrans as a final product from the Institute. Task team members and Caltrans staff and leadership provided extensive review of the draft Bus Rapid Transit: A Handbook for Partners. Caltrans adopted a new Director’s Policy and published the document, BRT Caltrans. The MTI “wraparound” report presented below discusses in more detail the process that was followed to produce the draft report. The process was in many ways as much a project as the report itself

From Buses to BRT: Case Studies of Incremental BRT Projects in North America, MTI Report 09-13

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) uses different combinations of techniques to improve service, such as bus-only lanes and roads, pre-boarding fare collection, transit priority at traffic signals, stylish vehicles with extra doors, bus stops that are more like light rail stations, and high frequency service. This study examines five approaches to BRT systems as implemented by public transit agencies in California, Oregon, and Ontario. The case studies as a group show that BRT can be thought of as a discretionary combination of elements that can be assembled in many different combinations over time. Every element incrementally adds to the quality or attractiveness of the service. This latitude provides transit agencies with many benefits, including the ability to match infrastructure with operating requirements. For example, a BRT service can combine operations serving free flowing arterial roads in the fringes of the downtown with dedicated lanes in areas closer to city center where congestion is greatest. Buses can operate both on and off the guide way, extending the corridors in which passengers are offered a one-seat ride with no transfer required. Transit agencies also can select specific BRT components and strategies, such as traffic signal priority and increased stop spacing, and apply them to existing local bus operations as a way to increase bus speeds and reduce operating costs. The specific elements selected for a BRT route can be implemented all at once, or in incremental stages either or both geographical extensions or additions of features. All of the case studies showed ridership improvements, but the Los Angeles Metro Rapid bus system illustrates the wide geographic coverage, improved ridership, and moderate cost per new rider that is possible with an approach that includes fewer BRT features spread over more miles of route. Quantitative results from the case studies suggest that incremental improvements, applied widely to regional bus networks, may be able to achieve significant benefits at a lower cost than substantial infrastructure investments focused upon just one or a few corridors

Public Transport Options for East Asian Mega-cities

This paper provides insights of the current state of public transport in East Asian Mega-cities, their characteristics that make them different with other public transport systems in other parts of the world. A combination of high percentage of public transport use, existence of para-transit, poor service quality to respond with high level of motorizations are some of the features of urban public transport in East Asian developing cities. Data from Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Jakarta, and Bangkok are analyzed to develop a thorough understanding on the specific features of public transport in the East Asian Mega-cities. Several reform policies and strategies are proposed, including promoting public transport technology to shift the competition from costs to quality, fare integration, suitable financing options, and an appropriate implementation timing, as well as developing a public transport hierarchy to suit the increasing demand for urban mobility

Westwood Multimodal Transportation Plan

Westwood is experiencing an industrial regeneration that will change the way the area is utilized by the surrounding communities. To be proactive, Henrico County is planning for the future by creating an overlay zoning district and striving for a multimodal environment to ensure the area grows in a sustainable manner. This plan evaluates the study area, retrieves community engagement, and makes recommendations on streetscape design and public transit improvements to create a multimodal Westwood. Study area observations provided evidence that the streets in Westwood need to be redesigned to accommodate more for pedestrians and cyclists. Community outreach in the form of a survey was conducted to gather input on how the streetscape should be designed and what elements of the study area need the most attention. Results of the surveys and observations were analyzed and used to build the recommendations made for Westwood. Various types of funding options are presented to implement this plan. Sustainable, connected, and integrated transportation is essential to success and livability of the fast-growing study area. The plan aims to supply the knowledge needed to create a livable and thriving Westwood

The European Bus with a High Level of Service (BHLS): Concept and Practice

The paper discusses the respective American Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and European Bus with a High Level of Service (BHLS) concepts comparing their approaches and implementation conditions. It describes the main BHLS characteristics and the gains in ridership findings for several case studies among European countries.BRT, BHLS, BHLS Characteristics, Implementation conditions, gains in ridership