Schedule optimization to improve trunk-local bus transfer efficiency in small conurbations: A case study of New York’s capital region

Abstract

Fostering the use of transit has been broadly accepted as an effective way to improve social equity and reduce the externalities caused by transportation. In the great body of transit literature, many have focused on the improvement of transfer efficiency. However, investigation on transit transfer efficiency is still lacking for medium sized cities or suburban areas that have sprawled from city centers. The special features associated with such an urban form lead to unique travel patterns and bus operations. This work develops a process to improve bus transfer efficiency for small conurbations considering their special characteristics. A case study of New York’s Capital District is used to illustrate the proposed method. Results show that the transfer waiting time can be remarkably shortened. The proposed method can be widely adapted to other transit systems in small conurbations.

Keywords

transfer efficiency / small conurbation / rural transit

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