Route Planning

Effective route planning is the backbone of any successful bus system.

Key Concepts

  • Demand Analysis: Understanding passenger flow.

  • Network Design: Creating efficient routes.

Network Design: Creating Efficient Routes

Designing an efficient bus network is a fundamental aspect of public transport planning. A well-designed network enhances connectivity, reduces travel times, and improves overall service quality, making public transport more attractive to users.

Objectives of Network Design

  • Maximise Coverage: Provide access to public transport across the urban area.
  • Enhance Connectivity: Ensure seamless transfers between routes and other modes.
  • Optimise Efficiency: Reduce operational costs while maintaining high service quality.
  • Increase Ridership: Attract more users by meeting their travel needs effectively.

Principles of Efficient Network Design

1. Simplicity

  • Easy to Understand: A straightforward network encourages usage.
  • Fewer Routes with Higher Frequency: Simplifies schedules and improves reliability.

2. Directness

  • Minimise Detours: Direct routes reduce travel time and improve competitiveness with private vehicles.
  • Grid Networks: Facilitate direct travel between various origins and destinations.

3. Connectivity

  • Efficient Transfers: Design hubs where passengers can easily switch between routes or modes.
  • Integrated Timetables: Coordinate schedules to minimise waiting times.

4. Scalability

  • Adaptability: The network should accommodate future growth and changes in demand.
  • Flexible Route Structures: Use of short-turn services and route extensions as needed.

5. Equity

  • Access for All: Ensure that disadvantaged areas are served.
  • Affordability: Keep fares reasonable to encourage ridership.

Types of Bus Networks

Radial Network

  • Structure: Routes converge towards a central point (e.g., CBD).
  • Advantages: Direct access to central areas.
  • Disadvantages: Limited cross-town connectivity; congestion in central areas.

Grid Network

  • Structure: Routes run perpendicular to each other, forming a grid.
  • Advantages: High connectivity; direct routes between multiple origins and destinations.
  • Disadvantages: Requires transfers; may need higher frequency to be effective.

Circular (Ring) Network

  • Structure: Routes form loops around central areas.
  • Advantages: Connects peripheral areas without entering congested centres.
  • Disadvantages: Potentially longer travel times due to circuitous routes.

Hub-and-Spoke Network

  • Structure: Routes connect peripheral areas to central hubs.
  • Advantages: Efficient for transferring passengers; centralised operations.
  • Disadvantages: Dependence on hubs can create bottlenecks.

Strategies for Efficient Network Design

1. Combine Radial and Grid Networks

  • Hybrid Approach: Utilise radial routes for central access and grid patterns for cross-town travel.
  • Benefits: Maximises directness and connectivity.

2. Develop Frequent Service Corridors

  • High-Demand Routes: Prioritise resources on corridors with the highest demand.
  • Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): Implement BRT systems on major corridors for speed and reliability.

3. Optimise Transfer Points

  • Designated Hubs: Create well-equipped transfer stations.
  • Minimise Transfer Times: Coordinate schedules and provide real-time information.

4. Integrate with Other Modes

  • Multimodal Connections: Align bus routes with train stations, ferries, and cycling infrastructure.
  • Park-and-Ride Facilities: Encourage commuters to combine driving with public transport.

5. Use Data-Driven Planning

  • Passenger Flow Analysis: Utilise smart card data and surveys.
  • Dynamic Scheduling: Adjust services based on real-time demand patterns.

Case Studies

1. Network Redesign in Auckland, New Zealand

  • Context: An outdated network with complex routes and low ridership.
  • Actions:
    • Implemented a simplified, connected grid network.
  • Increased service frequency on key routes.
  • Outcomes:
    • Significant increase in ridership.
  • Improved customer satisfaction due to easier navigation.

2. Barcelona’s Orthogonal Bus Network

  • Context: Aimed to modernise and simplify the bus network.
  • Actions:
    • Created a grid-like network with vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines.
  • Standardised route numbering and increased frequencies.
  • Outcomes:
    • Reduced average wait times.
  • Enhanced network legibility and accessibility.

Tools and Techniques

Geospatial Analysis with R

Utilising R for geospatial analysis can aid in visualising and optimising bus networks.

Route Planning

Efficient route planning is critical for enhancing the speed and reliability of bus services. By carefully designing routes, schedules, and operational strategies, transit agencies can improve service quality, attract more passengers, and optimise resource utilisation.

Objectives of Route Planning

  • Increase Speed: Reduce travel times to make buses a competitive alternative to private vehicles.
  • Enhance Reliability: Ensure buses adhere to schedules, minimising delays and variability.
  • Improve Accessibility: Provide convenient access to key destinations for a broad user base.
  • Optimise Resources: Use fleet and personnel efficiently to reduce operational costs.

Strategies for Speeding Up Buses

1. Implement Direct Routes

  • Minimise Deviations: Design routes with minimal detours to reduce travel time.
  • Express Services: Offer limited-stop services on high-demand corridors.

2. Optimise Stop Spacing

  • Balanced Stop Placement: Find the optimal distance between stops to balance speed and accessibility.
    • Urban Areas: Stops every 300–400 metres.
    • Suburban Areas: Stops every 400–800 metres.
  • Eliminate Redundant Stops: Remove closely spaced or low-utilisation stops.

3. Prioritise Bus Movement

  • Bus Lanes: Implement dedicated bus lanes to avoid traffic congestion.
  • Bus Signal Priority (BSP)
    • Traffic Signal Coordination: Adjust traffic signals to favour buses.
    • Active BSP: Use transponders to extend green lights when buses are approaching.

4. Simplify Routes

  • Straightforward Routing: Use direct paths without unnecessary turns or loops.
  • Reduce Complexity: Limit route variations and branches to avoid confusion.

5. Implement All-Door Boarding

  • Speed Up Dwell Time: Allow passengers to board and alight through all doors.
  • Use Fare Prepayment Systems: Implement off-board fare collection or contactless payment methods.

6. Use Limited-Stop Services

  • Skip Low-Demand Stops: Serve only major stops during peak hours.
  • Overlay Services: Combine local and limited-stop services on the same corridor.

7. Leverage Technology

  • Real-Time Tracking: Use GPS to monitor buses and adjust operations dynamically.
  • Traffic Management Systems: Integrate with city traffic systems for proactive congestion management.

Strategies for Improving Reliability

1. Schedule Adherence

  • Time Point Scheduling: Set key time points along the route to monitor adherence.
  • Recovery Time: Include buffer times at route termini to absorb delays.

2. Regular Headways

  • Headway Management: Focus on consistent intervals between buses rather than strict schedules.
  • Holding Strategies: Temporarily hold buses to prevent bunching.

3. Predictive Maintenance

  • Vehicle Upkeep: Regular maintenance to prevent breakdowns.
  • Condition Monitoring: Use telematics to monitor vehicle health in real time.

4. Driver Training

  • Efficient Driving Techniques: Train drivers on smooth acceleration and deceleration.
  • Customer Service: Emphasise the importance of punctuality and reliability.

5. Incident Management

  • Contingency Plans: Develop protocols for handling disruptions.
  • Communication Systems: Provide drivers and dispatchers with real-time communication tools.

Route Planning Process

Step 1: Data Collection and Analysis

  • Ridership Data: Analyse boarding and alighting patterns.
  • Origin-Destination (O-D) Surveys: Understand travel needs and demand.
  • Traffic Studies: Assess congestion hotspots and traffic flow.

Step 2: Identify Key Corridors

  • High-Demand Areas: Focus on routes serving major employment centres, schools, and commercial areas.
  • Connectivity: Ensure integration with other modes of transport (e.g., trains, ferries).

Step 3: Design Route Network

  • Hierarchical Structure: Develop a network with primary, secondary, and feeder routes.
  • Accessibility: Ensure coverage for underserved areas while maintaining efficiency.

Step 4: Evaluate and Optimise Routes

  • Simulation Tools: Use software to model route performance.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Involve community feedback to refine routes.

Step 5: Implement and Monitor

  • Pilot Programmes: Test new routes or changes on a small scale before full implementation.
  • Performance Metrics: Monitor speed, reliability, patronage, and customer satisfaction.

Case Studies

1. London Bus Network Redesign

  • Context: Faced with congestion and slow bus speeds, Transport for London (TfL) redesigned routes.
  • Actions:
    • Implemented bus lanes and signal priority.
    • Reconfigured routes for directness.
  • Outcomes:
    • Increased average bus speeds.
    • Improved schedule adherence.

2. Bogotá’s TransMilenio System

  • Context: High demand for efficient public transport.
  • Actions:
    • Created dedicated bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors.
    • Used express services with limited stops.
  • Outcomes:
    • Significantly reduced travel times.
    • High patronage and modal shift from private cars.

Tools and Technologies

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

  • Usage: Analyse spatial data for route planning.
  • Benefits: Visualise demand patterns and optimise stop locations.

Transit Scheduling Software

  • Examples: HASTUS, Trapeze.
  • Features: Automate scheduling, run simulations, manage timetables.

Real-Time Passenger Information Systems

  • Functions: Provide passengers with live updates.
  • Impact: Enhance user experience and perceived reliability.