Abstract:
Many transit corridors experience significant delays and are often operating at or near capacity; A single
mode may not be able to provide either the required capacity or improved Level of Service (LOS) in
major, heavily traveled corridors. As a result the transit modes may not be well accepted by the
travelling public. Transportation improvements are needed in order to meet growing travel demands,
sustain mobility and reduce congestion in developing corridors.
The concept explored in this paper is a mode evaluation for transition from low performance to high
performance transit technologies. The basic alternative transportation modes, Regular Bus, and
Regular plus Express Bus, are realized through an elementary analytical model for evaluation of transit
modes which can be further applied for other higher order transit modes. The characteristics of transit
modes such as speed, capacity, dynamic properties, operating costs, loading/unloading times and
feeder systems are mathematically assessed. This model optimizes the mode selection and evaluates
the best possible transition point in terms of transit system requirements for both the users (in terms of
waiting and riding time), and operator for a given corridor over time. It encourages transit users and
operators to select a better mode of service with significant impacts on level of service, capital and
operating costs, and transit market development.
