PhD Thesis submitted to the University of London


MODELLING BUS STOP INTERACTIONS

by Rodrigo Eduardo Fernández Aguilera

ABSTRACT

The long term aim of this thesis is to contribute to better public transport services. The general objective of this particular piece of research is to assist in improving mobility in the bus system by improvements to the bus stop facilities. Two specific objectives are pursued: to enhance the understanding of interactions at bus stops and their consequences and to derive further recommendations from this understanding for design purposes. The underlying hypothesis is that bus stop interactions can be managed by physical and operational designs.

First, a context for the problem of mobility in public transport is presented. As a consequence, the importance of buses and bus stops is raised. Then, a review of various approaches related to bus stop and bus operations is made. As a result, it is stated that current methods to analyse bus stop interactions are not sufficient. The simultaneous processes that take place at bus stops suggest that a parallel conception of bus stop interactions is needed.

As a result, a micro simulation approach of the parallel conception of a bus stop has been developed. Various experiments with the model are described and the analyses of the results are presented. The results show that a detailed modelling of bus stop interactions and good designs can influence bus operations as proposed in the hypothesis.

Finally, the main findings of this research are summarised and methodological conclusions as well as practical recommendations are delivered. Further research on this and related topics are also suggested.


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