Public Transport Service Optimization and System Integration

Abstract

Public transport has the most customer
\n appeal and is most efficient when it is planned and operated
\n as a seamless, integrated system. This is particularly
\n important in urban environments in fast growing economies
\n such as China and India, where public transport must
\n increasingly compete with private vehicles which offer
\n door-to-door, one seat travel irrespective of time of day
\n or day of the week. International experience suggests that
\n public transport planners must recognize two integration
\n dimensions: (a) integration among all modes and routes
\n comprising the multi-modal public transport network, (b)
\n integration of the physical and operational elements or each
\n respective mode and service, e.g., metro or bus. Successful
\n integration in both dimensions will provide a more
\n customer-friendly experience and make public transport more
\n efficient and cost-effective. This will help maximize public
\n transport ridership and revenue, increase customer
\n satisfaction, reduce costs and subsidies and general
\n environmental, social and economic benefits for the investment.