Redesigning and improving the efficiency of bus transit networks using automatically collected data : the case of Gipuzkoa, Spain

Abstract

Transit agencies around the world are adopting Automatically Data Collection Systems (ADCS) to carry out standard tasks in the management of their networks. Many of these agencies have taken further steps in the use of this data to support and enhance the performance of many other functions under their responsibility. One of these functions is service operations and planning or tactical planning where the use of ADCS will certainly improve their understanding on how the transportation system is performing and being used at almost no extra cost. This thesis focuses on the use of the ubiquitous information from two types of data sources: Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) and Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) systems, to improve the efficiency of one of the main, although not as frequent, aspects of tactical planning: network design. Since 2005, the Government of the Province of Gipuzkoa has worked to improve public transit's supply in the region. Over the last years, a progressive integration of the province's crosstown bus network has taken place starting with the creation of an umbrella public company Lurraldebus, the implementation of ADCS, and the further integration of the original operators by sector. These developments bring the unprecedented opportunity to render a more sustainable system and improve the levels of service offered to customers through a better understanding of their needs and the implementation of new processes not only for tactical planning but also for service control management, customer information and operations. This thesis first explores the institutional, legal, and regulatory structures in which the system is circumscribed to ensure that the recommendations proposed will fall within appropriate boundaries. It also provides guidelines on how the use of ADCS could be adopted and systematized within these structures to obtain all its potential advantages. Then, this thesis proceeds to show how archived AFC and AVL data can be used in the context of Gipuzkoa to asses the overall efficiency of the network and to improve its performance by suggesting modifications to the network design based on the insights provided by a thorough analysis of the use of the available resources by the operator and the utilization of the system by their customers.