Lecturer
Prof. Nigel Wilson
Prerequisites
1.221J and 1.259J or permission of instructor.
Description
This course describes the evolution and role of urban public transportation modes, systems, and services, focussing on bus and rail. Technological characteristics and their impacts on capacity, service quality, and cost are described. Current practice and new methods for data collection and analysis, performance monitoring, route design, frequency determination, and vehicle and crew scheduling are also discussed. In addition the effect of pricing policy and service quality on ridership and methods for estimating costs associated with proposed service changes are presented together with means to improve operations through real time intervention.
Assignments
Grading will be based on 4 problem sets (65%) and 1 exam (35%).