Optimization of Feeder Bus Routes and Bus‐Stop Spacing

Abstract

Existing studies of transit network design deal separately with the problems of determining the optimal route spacing and operating headway, and that of determining the optimal stop spacing. This paper presents an analytic model for the design of an optimal feeder bus network for accessing an existing rail line, which avoids the sequential approach and combines these three basic variables. Our results with regard to bus‐route spacing and headway are similar to those obtained previously, indicating that route spacing and operating headway are not highly sensitive to changes in the relevant system parameters. With regard to bus‐stop spacing, three different cases are considered, reflecting three different stop‐spacing policies. In the first case, bus‐stop spacing is specified as uniform over the entire area. In the second case, stop spacing is constant along any given route. In the third case, stop spacing may vary both between and along routes. Closed‐form solutions are presented for the first two cases. The solution to the third case is shown to depend on an initial condition. Three numerical examples are presented, indicating that the proposed model provides reasonable solutions and consistent responses to changes in demand.