Associations between socioeconomic and trip characteristics of bus passengers to plan for transfer-based bus transport operations.

Abstract

There are mainly two types of bus routes in Sri Lanka. They are main routes and secondary routes. Secondary routes connect main town centers to secondary-level townships, while main routes often connect two main towns or city centers. Secondary bus routes' extensive service, including feeder buses, can create a lap length, impacting supply and demand cycles. In response to this challenge, the concept of a transfer-based bus transport network (TBBTN) emerges as a potential solution. Specifically, the study aims to discern the influence of socioeconomic factors and travel characteristics, thereby illuminating critical insights for the development of a system that maximizes operational efficiency while minimizing passenger inconvenience. By testing the associations between these key variables, this research endeavors to contribute to the advancement of a more effective and responsive bus transport network in Sri Lanka.