2013 Session: 761

• Benefits of Real-Time Transit Information and Impacts of Data Accuracy on Rider Experience
  Abstract: When presented in a practical format, real-time transit information can improve sustainable travel methods by enhancing the transit experience. This paper identifies the positive shift realized by the continued development of the OneBusAway set of real-time transit information tools. In addition, the paper analyzes real-time prediction errors and their effects on the rider experience. Three years after the development of location-aware mobile applications, a survey of current OneBusAway users was conducted in 2012 in order to compare the results to the previous 2009 study. The results show significant positive shifts in satisfaction with transit, perceptions of safety and ridership frequency as a result of the increased use of real-time arrival information. However, this paper also provides a perspective of the margin of error riders come to expect and the negative effects resulting from inaccuracies with the real-time data. While riders on average will ride less when they have experienced errors, a robust issue-reporting system as well as the resolution of the error can mitigate the initial negative effects. With this understanding, the paper provides transit agencies and developers with guidance to realize the full potential of real-time information and error-reporting systems.
  Authors: Gooze, Aaron; Watkins, Kari Edison; Borning, Alan
  Authors: Gooze, Aaron; Watkins, Kari Edison; Borning, Alan
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation
  Session: 761
  Paper Number: 13-0785
  Practice-Ready: Yes
• A Multicriteria Approach for Analyzing Railway Service Quality
  Abstract: The objective of this work is to propose a tool for decision makers useful for verifying transit service quality and establishing the best transit service. Specifically, multiple criteria decision methods are proposed to evaluate a number of rail routes, on the basis of a set of variables describing the quality of the service, and by considering users opinions. The criteria adopted in the analysis represent some service quality attributes such as safety, cleanliness, passenger comfort, regularity and punctuality of the runs, and passenger information. We analyse the services offered by rail operators in the Northern Italy; specifically, 11 regional lines connecting the city of Milan to other towns of the hinterland are analysed. To apply the analysis, data collected in a survey conducted in June 2011 and addressed to a sample of more than 16,000 passengers are used. We obtained interesting results from the application of two different methods of multi-criteria analysis.
  Authors: Eboli, Laura; Mazzulla, Gabriella
  Authors: Eboli, Laura; Mazzulla, Gabriella
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation
  Session: 761
  Paper Number: 13-0853
  Practice-Ready: Yes
• Effects on Service Quality Following Regulatory Reforms in Public Transport in Malta
  Abstract: This paper presents the results of a qualitative study on bus and car users in order to analyse the effects of a major reform in the public transport system on service quality. The case study of Malta is used following the decision by Government to implement a major reform which saw the islands’ monopolistic regime being replaced by competitive tendering. In this process Government introduced new service level requirements and obligations on the new operator, which started operations in July 2011. The study uses mixed methods to collect information about perceived quality of public transport services from non and infrequent bus users using a structured approach and perception of service quality from bus users using an exploratory approach. In both cases there are signs of improved service quality following the reform, however much needs to be done in areas related to punctuality, frequency, waiting time and trip duration. Through this study bus users were also able to identify the key factors of service quality. This study is intended to help operators to understand better the factors affecting bus use, the perception of bus service performance over a period of time and the need for necessary actions to support existing customers and attract new ones. This study highlights the importance of understanding the expectations of service level and the need for policies and measures that are mostly going to motivate those willing to change and reduce their use of the car.
  Authors: Attard, Maria
  Authors: Attard, Maria
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation
  Session: 761
  Paper Number: 13-1473
  Practice-Ready: Yes
• Public Transport Performance Measurement System for Switzerland and Its Calibration
  Abstract: Performance evaluation is fundamental to transport analysis and operations. This paper describes a quality evaluation framework based on level of service (LOS) developed for urban public transport in Switzerland. The framework focuses on four key indicators: on time performance, headway adherence, speed and passenger loads. The framework allows users to assess service quality at different levels by measuring the indicators at the single element level and aggregating scores over larger sets of elements. The number of indicators is relatively small compared to other frameworks, this makes the method easier to apply but also provides less detailed results. An earlier paper presented a conceptual approach for the framework. This paper extends that work by describing the approach in more detail and focusing on calibration of the LOS framework and application of the framework to a real example in Zurich. The research is part of a larger effort designed to develop a consistent multimodal LOS evaluation system for Switzerland. This system would include non-motorized traffic, public transport and road-based transport.
  Authors: Orth, Hermann W. M.; Carrasco, Nelson; Weidmann, Ulrich Alois; Schwertner, Michael
  Authors: Orth, Hermann W. M.; Carrasco, Nelson; Weidmann, Ulrich Alois; Schwertner, Michael
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation
  Session: 761
  Paper Number: 13-1967
  Practice-Ready: Yes
• Benefits of Real-Time Transit Information and Impacts of Data Accuracy on Rider Experience
  Authors: Gooze, Aaron
  Authors: Gooze, Aaron
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation
  Subject: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation
  Session: 761
  Paper Number: 13-0785
• A Multicriteria Approach for Analyzing Railway Service Quality
  Authors: Mazzulla, Gabriella
  Authors: Mazzulla, Gabriella
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation
  Subject: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation
  Session: 761
  Paper Number: 13-0853
• Effects on Service Quality Following Regulatory Reforms in Public Transport in Malta
  Authors: Attard, Maria
  Authors: Attard, Maria
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation
  Subject: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation
  Session: 761
  Paper Number: 13-1473
• Public Transport Performance Measurement System for Switzerland and Its Calibration
  Authors: Orth, Hermann
  Authors: Orth, Hermann
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation
  Subject: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation
  Session: 761
  Paper Number: 13-1967
• Public Transport Performance Measurement System for Switzerland and Its Calibration
  Authors: Carrasco, Nelson
  Authors: Carrasco, Nelson
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation
  Subject: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation
  Session: 761
  Paper Number: 13-1967
• Public Transport Performance Measurement System for Switzerland and Its Calibration
  Authors: Weidmann, Ulrich
  Authors: Weidmann, Ulrich
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation
  Subject: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation
  Session: 761
  Paper Number: 13-1967
• Public Transport Performance Measurement System for Switzerland and Its Calibration
  Authors: Schwertner, Michael
  Authors: Schwertner, Michael
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation
  Subject: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation
  Session: 761
  Paper Number: 13-1967