Developing Optimal Tactics and Strategies for Public-Transport Operations

Abstract

Public transport (PT) service reliability problems occur continuously and have had significant impact on transport efficiency and productivity. Unreliable PT service has been found as the major deterrent to current and potential passengers. Because of the stochastic nature of the PT service factors, such as travel time, dwell time, demand, etc., the passenger is likely to experience unexpected waiting times and ride times. Consequently, operating efficiently and effectively real-time vehicle control is of major concern for PT operators. This thesis focuses on reducing the uncertainty of PT service by the use of control tactics in real-time operation. To this end, a ’library’ of selected operational tactics is constructed, for the PT operators, to assist in reducing not only total passenger travel time, but also to increase the likelihood of direct (without wait) transfers. The objective set forth is to develop an intelligent modelling with a library of tactics in terms of real-time control actions; these developments are based on optimization and simulation frameworks. The thesis consists of three main parts. The first part develops new mathematical modelling techniques for the optimization of combinations of selected tactics for PT operations. The implementation of the concept is performed in two steps: optimization and simulation. The second part of the study investigates and analyses the benefits of using real-time PT operational tactics in reducing the undesirable environmental impacts. The environmental-related measure is the global warming potential using the life-cycle assessment technique. Thirdly and finally, the effect of implementing tactics on passengers’ perceptions and decisions (demand side) is analysed. The findings will provide policy makers with an understanding of the behavioural aspect of real-time operational tactics. Overall the thesis proposes a practical process for both policy-makers and PT users. The suggested frameworks and guidelines can be used to develop an integrated, multi-modal PT system in order to provide travellers with a viable alternative to private cars with attractive interconnected routes.