TRANSFER OPTIMIZATION IN AN INTERACTIVE GRAPHIC SYSTEM FOR TRANSIT PLANNING

Abstract

This paper describes a coordinated four-stage interactive graphic process for operational transit planning. Stage 1 deals with route, headway, and vehicle-type optimization; stage 2 attempts to optimize transfer delays; stage 3 designs runs so that the service resulting from the previous stages can be operationalized; and stage 4 provides computer assistance in making manpower assignments. The network optimization procedure of stage 1 has been previously reported on, and the latter two stages are currently under development. This paper deals principally with the transfer optimization tool of stage 2. The operational tool to optimize transfer delays involves the automated-iterative modification of terminal departure times. An interactive graphic computer approach is used to increase the transparency of the tool to the planner. The analysis takes into account the calculation of expected waiting times for transfers between transit lines with different headways and the interdependence of terminal departure times. Within the interactive graphic optimization process, the user can request computer-generated and computer-drawn charts of transfer movements and delays, time-distance diagrams of individual routes, and computer-produced transfer statistics at individual stops as well as the entire system. The process has been applied to the Basel Transit System in Switzerland, which serves a population of 500,000. In comparison with the existing hand-generated timetable, the optimized timetable reduces the total transfer delays by approximately 20 percent with no increase in operating costs. /Author/

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