Contingency Planning and War Gaming for the Transport Operations of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games

Abstract

Transport operations constitute a critical prerequisite for the successful staging of a special event. Operations are more challenging to manage for those events that are infrequent and last for several days. In this case, the requirements for unconditional success, coupled with the uncertainties involved, necessitate robust contingency planning. The paper presents a methodological process for developing the transport‐related contingency plans to address pre‐identified emergencies in major events, such as the Olympic Games. War games are proposed to test the resulting contingency plans and train the staff involved in plan implementation. The application of the methodological process to the Athens 2004 Athens 2004 Organizing Committee (ATHOC). 2002. Preliminary Olympic Transport Strategic Plan, Athens: ATHOC.  [Google Scholar] Olympic Games is presented in which transport services were offered to over 50 000 members of the Olympic Family, 150 000 staff and volunteers, and 3.8 million spectators over a period of more than two weeks.     

Urban Congestion Charging: A Comparison between London and Singapore

Abstract

The congestion charging schemes in London and Singapore are compared and assessed in the light of guidelines set out in the Smeed Report, published by the UK Ministry of Transport in 1964 Ministry of Transport. 1964. Road Pricing: The Economic and Technical Possibilities, London: HMSO.  [Google Scholar], and their performance in reducing congestion and raising net revenue. The aim is to draw lessons for other towns and cities considering the introduction of congestion charging. One important result from Electronic Road Pricing in Singapore is that a per‐entry charge is more effective at reducing congestion than a per‐day charge. It is concluded that although Electronic Road Pricing in Singapore is more in line with the desirable properties outlined in the Smeed Report, both schemes are part of a wider package of transport policies, and that is probably the most important reason for their success. The main lesson for other towns and cities around the world considering the possibility of introducing congestion charging is that any such scheme ought to be accompanied by complementary measures that will provide motorists with a valid alternative to the car.     

What encourages people to carpool? An evaluation of factors with meta-analysis

Non-household carpools (where two or more commuters from different residences travel together in the same private vehicle) bring public benefits. To encourage and incentivise it, transport practitioners and researchers must understand its private motivations and deterrents. Existing studies often report conflicting results or non-generalisable findings. Thus, a quantitative systematic review of the literature body is needed. Using meta-analysis, this study synthesised 22 existing empirical studies (representing over 79,000 observations) to produce an integrated review of the carpooling literature. The meta-analysis determined 24 non-household carpooling factors, and their effect sizes. Factors such as number of employees (\(\bar{r} = 0.42\)), partner matching programs (\(\bar{r} = 0.42\)), female (\(\bar{r} = 0.22\)) and fixed work schedule (\(\bar{r} = 0.15\)) were found to have strong effects on carpooling while judgmental factors (such as the motivation to save costs) only exhibited small influence (\(\bar{r} < 0.1\)). Based on the significant effects, the paper discussed prospects for improving carpooling uptake by developing: (i) target demographics, (ii) selling points for marketing, (iii) carpooling partner programs and (iv) multiple employer ‘super-pools’. The results warrant caution due to the small amount of studies synthesised. Transport practitioners might plan carpooling policies based on the findings; and transportation researchers might use the list of factors to model carpooling behaviour.     

Specification of regret-based models of choice behaviour: formal analyses and experimental design based evidence

Travel behaviour analysis has recently witnessed a rapidly growing interest in regret-based models of choice behaviour. Two different model specifications have been introduced in the transportation literature. Chorus et al. (Transportation Research B 42: 1–18, 2008a; in: Proceedings 87th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board, Washington DC, 2008b) specified regret as a (non) linear function of the difference between the best-foregone choice alternative and the chosen alternative. Later, as an approximation to the original specification, Chorus (2010) suggested a logarithm function of utility differences between all choice alternatives, mainly for ease of estimation. This paper makes two contributions to this literature. First, formal analyses are conducted to identify the parameter space where the logarithmic specification becomes theoretically inferior to the original specification. Second, an empirical stated choice study on the choice of shopping centre is conducted to empirically test which specification best describes stated choices. Results suggest that for the collected data the original specification outperforms the new specification. Implications of this finding for the application of regret-based choice models in travel behaviour analysis are discussed.     

Enhancing the Travel Survey Process and Data Using the CATI System

Abstract

This paper describes an intelligent interface developed to assist in the task of collecting detailed information regarding daily travel behaviours. The computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) system, developed by the MADITUC Research Group for the Montreal large-scale travel surveys, is structured in three main screens (household, person and trip) and assists the interaction between an interviewer and a respondent during a phone interview. This tool enhances the quality of the data collected by performing real-time validation of the spatio-temporal details related to travel behaviours. In addition to describing the design of the CATI tool, this paper proposes some empirical measurements associated with the CATI use by the interviewers owing to the processing of numerical logs saving every action taken by the user during an interview. Using these data, variables significantly influencing interview duration are identified.     

Decision-making on Large Infrastructure Projects: The Role of the Dutch Parliament

Abstract

Validating microscopic traffic simulation models incorporates several challenges because of the inadequacy and rareness of validation data, and the complexity of the car following and lane-changing processes. In addition, validation data were usually measured in aggregate form at the link level and not at the level of the individual vehicle. The majority of model validation attempts in the literature use average link measurements of traffic characteristics. However, validation techniques based on averages of traffic variables have several limitations including possible inconsistency between the field observed and simulation-estimated variables, and as such the resulting spatial–temporal traffic stream patterns.

Due to these inconsistencies, this paper introduces a novel approach to the validation of microscopic traffic simulation models. A three-stage procedure for validating microscopic simulation models is presented. The paper describes the field measurements, experimental setup, and the simulation-based analysis of the three stages. The purpose of the first stage is to validate a benchmark simulator (NETSIM) using limited field data. The second stage examines the spatial–temporal traffic patterns extracted from the benchmark simulator versus those extracted from the simulation model to be validated (I-SIM-S). Different traffic patterns were examined accounting for various factors, such as traffic flow, link speeds, and signal timing. The third stage compares the aggregate traffic measures extracted from the subject simulator against those extracted from the benchmark simulator.     

Evaluating marginal improvements to a transport network: An application to the Santiago underground

This paper describes a simplified methodology designed for quick investment appraisal of improvements to a transport network, and discusses its limitations and advantages particularly in the context of a developing country. The approach basically considers:

- a method to define the total population (relevant origin-destination pairs) affected by the project

- the selection of a low-cost background model to represent transport demand on a network at an aggregate level

- the choice of a suitable marginal demand model (in this case a discrete mode choice model) capable of providing the required sensitivity and accuracy to model the project

- the estimation of the marginal demand due to the project during all the years of the study horizon, and

- a sensitivity analysis to assess the robustness of the decision recommended using these two models.

Finally, the paper summarises the results of applying the methodology to the case of an extension to the Santiago underground; it was found that the project has a high social rate of return (almost 20 per cent). However, from the point of view of a private evaluation, it can cover its operating costs only.     

A Stated Preference Experiment for Measuring Service Quality in Public Transport

Abstract

This paper develops a Stated Preference (SP) experiment that provides a way to measure service quality in public transport. The paper introduces an empirical procedure for optimising the SP experiment. This procedure permits the identification of the choice alternatives defining the experiment by simulating the choices of a user sample. By using the data collected from an experimental survey, a Multinomial Logit model was calibrated. This model is a way of identifying the importance of service quality attributes on global customer satisfaction and calculating a Service Quality Index, which provides an operationally appealing measure of current or potential service effectiveness.     

The Vehicle Routing Problem: The Case of the Hong Kong Postal Service

Abstract

With the growth in population and development of business activities in Hong Kong, the range and level of services provided by Hongkong Post have multiplied. However, the schedule of its postal vehicles, including mail collection and delivery, is still constructed manually on a daily basis, based on the experience of staff and transportation reviews. In this paper, the problem of scheduling a set of n collection points (District Post Offices) from a depot (General Post Office) in Hong Kong Island is addressed. The objectives pursued are the maximization of resource utilization and minimization of operation costs. In other words, the variable cost is expected to be reduced. To achieve these goals, an integer linear programming (IP) model of the vehicle routing problem (VRP) is developed in an effort to obtain optimal solutions. As the model involves computational complexity, a commercial software package CPLEX is used to solve the problems efficiently. The results show that the proposed model can produce optimal vehicle routes and schedules.     

Short-term work team scheduling models for effective road repair and management

Abstract

In this study, we focus on the development of work team routing/scheduling models incorporating stochastic travel and repair times. Robust and expected optimization concepts, combined with a time–space network technique, are used to develop the models. We perform numerical tests based on operational data for Taoyuan County in Taiwan. The test results show the good performance of the models.     

Bus Transit Service Reliability and Improvement Strategies: Integrating the Perspectives of Passengers and Transit Agencies in North America

Abstract

Transit agencies are consistently trying to improve service reliability and attract new passengers by employing various strategies. Previous literature reviews have focused on either passengers' or transit agencies' perspectives on service reliability. However, none of the earlier reviews have simultaneously addressed these differing perspectives on service reliability in an integrated manner. In response to this gap in the literature, this paper first reviews previous work on passengers' perspectives of transit service reliability and their response to service adjustments made by different agencies. Second, it analyzes transit agencies' plans and reports regarding their reliability goals and used strategies in order to improve service reliability, while looking at the impacts of these strategies on service. Reviewing these two parts together provides a needed contribution to the literature from a practical viewpoint since it allows for the identification of gaps in the public transit planning and operations field in the area of reliability and provides transit planners and decision makers with effective and valuable policy-relevant information.     

A Heuristic Algorithm for the Allocation of Airport Runway System Capacity

Abstract

This paper develops a heuristic algorithm for the allocation of airport runway capacity to minimise the cost of arrival and departure aircraft/flight delays. The algorithm is developed as a potential alternative to optimisation models based on linear and integer programming. The algorithm is based on heuristic (‘greedy’) criteria that closely reflect the ‘rules of thumb’ used by air traffic controllers. Using inputs such as arrival and departure demand, airport runway system capacity envelopes and cost of aircraft/flight delays, the main output minimises the cost of arrival and departure delays as well as the corresponding interdependent airport runway system arrival and departure capacity allocation. The algorithm is applied to traffic scenarios at three busy US airports. The results are used to validate the performance of the proposed heuristic algorithm against results from selected benchmarking optimisation models.     

A Modeling Framework for Bus Rapid Transit Operations Evaluation and Service Planning

Abstract

In this paper, we present a dynamic traffic assignment-simulation modeling framework (DYNASMART-P) to support the evaluation and planning of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services in urban transportation networks. The model represents the different characteristics associated with BRT operations such as: exclusive right-of-way lanes, limited-stop service, signal prioritization at congested intersections, and enhanced bus stops to reduce passenger boarding times. A set of simulation experiments is conducted using the model to study the impact of introducing a hypothetical BRT service in the Knoxville area in the State of Tennessee. In these experiments, the different operational characteristics of BRT are evaluated in terms of potential impact on transit ridership and on the interacting auto traffic. The results illustrate the advantages of BRT for increasing transit ridership and improving overall system performance.     

Auction-Based Congestion Pricing

Abstract

Planners, engineers and economists have introduced various demand management methods in an attempt to reduce the fast growing traffic congestion. The basic idea behind various demand management strategies is to force drivers to travel and use transportation facilities more during off-peak hours and less during peak hours, as well as to increase the usage of underutilized routes. In this paper, a new demand management concept – Auction-based Congestion Pricing – is proposed and modeled.     

Expansion of a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) and its Influence on Modal Split: The Case of Edinburgh

Abstract

This article considers the inter-relationship between on-street parking and choice of mode for journeys to work in the Scottish city of Edinburgh. This city is typical of many in that its centre has significant on-street parking controls but, beyond a radius of 1 to 1 1/2 miles (1.5 to 2.5?km) from the centre, there are no controls and commuter parking on-street is commonplace. The article reviews the relevant literature, and then considers the results of a survey undertaken of Edinburgh city centre employees in order to ascertain their parking habits and likely response to the extension of existing on-street parking controls. The article concludes that the results are transferable to other cities but that the scale of the impacts in each will be related to site specific factors, particularly the demand for residential parking space on-street in areas close to the city centre.     

The Impact of Urban Freight Transport: A Definition of Sustainability from an Actor's Perspective

Abstract

This paper presents a definition of sustainable urban freight transport (SUFT), based on the existing theories and concepts, and develops an indicator set that describes SUFT. The definition of SUFT makes a categorisation of actions possible which enables actors to select effective strategies towards SUFT. The indicator set consists of two levels: impact indicators – which describe how the urban freight transport violates the principles of sustainability; and performance indicators – which describe different categories determining the characteristics and performance of the urban transport system. A literature study analyses the characteristics determining the performance of actors in the urban freight transport chain. Knowing the current state and improvement potential of the urban freight transport system are prerequisites for defining successful strategies and implementing effective actions.     

Online Prediction of Travel Time: Experience From a Pilot Trial

Abstract

This study was designed to present an online model which predicted travel times on an interurban two-lane two-way highway section on the basis of field measurements. The study included two parts: an evaluation of the performance of the model, and an examination of the possibility to improve the model in case of unsatisfactory performance. The model was based on MLP neural networks. The main results of the evaluation showed that the prediction model outperformed a non-predictive system. However, the model for one section had not performed as well during the trial period as was expected. This might be due to a slight change in the congestion phenomenon. After further development, the findings showed that the model could be improved considerably with new data. The main implication was that even a simple prediction model improves the quality of travel time information substantially, compared to estimates based directly on the latest measurements.     

Optimum Capacity for Intermodal Container Terminals

Abstract

Achievement of a desirable level of customer service at intermodal terminals mainly depends on the efficient loading and unloading of trains without delays. The efficiency of the transfer between the modes in the terminal area can have a significant effect on these delays. In this article, an analytically based simulation model is developed to investigate delays of trains for different service configurations. Simulation outputs are used to find an optimum balance of the cost of train delays and variation from the desired level of service. Data from the Acacia Ridge Terminal in Brisbane, Australia are used to validate and test the model.     

Cross-sector Analysis of Four Renegotiated Transport PPPs in Portugal

Abstract

This paper uses the Fertagus renegotiation results as a reference and explores the features that made it such a widely commended case, aiming to identify the best practice to be followed in other cases. The two main questions that this paper aimed to respond were: Was the success of the renegotiation process in the Fertagus contract due to mode-specific factors? Are those factors (mode specific or not) transferable to other modes under public private partnership (PPP) contracts and if so, to what extent? Regarding the mode specificity and transferability analysis, it can be noticed that much of the features were not mode specific in theory, however for the successful transferability to other transport modes, some changes should be made to the PPP model taking into account modal specificities and national contexts.