Integrating short turning and deadheading in the optimization of transit services

Urban transit demand exhibits peaks in time and space, which can be efficiently served by means of different fleets, increasing frequencies in those groups of stops with larger passenger inflow. In this paper we develop a model that combines short turning and deadheading in an integrated strategy for a single transit line, where the optimization variables are both of a continuous and discrete nature: frequencies within and outside the high demand zone, vehicle capacities, and those stations where the strategy begins and ends. We show that closed solutions can be obtained for frequencies in some cases, which resembles the classical “square root rule”. Unlike the existing literature that compares different strategies with a given normal operation (no strategy - single frequency), we use an optimized base case, in order to assess the potential benefits of the integrated strategy on a fair basis. We found that the integrated strategy can be justified in many cases with mixed load patterns, where unbalances within and between directions are observed. In general, the short turning strategy may yield large benefits in terms of total cost reductions, while low benefits are associated with deadheading, due to the extra cost of running empty vehicles in some sections.     

Evaluating web site service quality in public transport: Evidence from Taiwan High Speed Rail

More and more public transport system passengers plan their trips by using website services. The passengers’ perceived service quality of a website plays a crucial role in recognizing the satisfaction of a transportation service chain. This study aims to investigate the passengers’ perception of electronic service quality (e-SQ) delivery through the Taiwan High Speed Rail’s (THSR) website, by adopting the Rasch measurement model to measure a subjective latent construct: perceived e-SQ. The Rasch model can compare person parameters with item parameters, which are then subjected to a logarithmic transformation along a logit scale to clearly identify which e-SQ measurement items are appreciated by certain passengers. Analytical results show substantial differences between the perceived e-SQ of various personal characteristics such as age, income, and trip types. Empirical results also demonstrate that passengers are most satisfied with the website’s accuracy of information and introduction to the THSR stations’ surrounding area, but are not satisfied with instructions when a transaction fails as well as the carriage layout of the THSR. Our analytical results also identify which service items lead to the perceived e-SQ difference between business trip and leisure trip passengers. The relationship between the two main attribute dimensions – quality of transportation information provided and quality of website services – are also further examined. The empirical results can help a transportation system service operator to better understand how passengers perceive e-SQ and to suggest what should be improved.     

公共交通系统经营模式分析

公共交通行业的基本经营特征决定行业不能实现完全独立的商业化运转,必须纳入到城市的公共服务体系中.为打造高效、优质的公共交通系统,应在公共政策、行业管理和企业经营三个层面各司其职,形成多层次的管理体系.本文按照市场的经营主体和竞争模式划分,对国内外最为常见的管理模式进行分析,探讨各种模式的运营环境及其适应性,为国内城市制...     

城市公共交通可持续发展的评价体系研究

现今,随着交通问题的突出,很多城市都走上了公交可持续发展之路.本文介绍了一种评价城市公共交通可持续发展度的体系方法--改进层次分析-Delphi综合评价法,这种评价方法能较科学、合理地对我国一般城市公共交通可持续发展现状进行评价,而且操作简便.     

公示语语料库在翻译教学中的应用

语料库语言学为翻译教学提供了全新的视角与方法,能够提高教学效果与翻译质量。本文以公示语翻译为切入点,将语料库的方法应用于应用翻译教学过程中,介绍了自建小型公示语语料库的思路及步骤。     

基于北斗的节能型智能公交电子站牌的开发及应用

解决“市民出行难”问题一直是政府部门关注的民生问题,实现公交信息化是解决“出行难”问题的重要环节和出路.本文提出了一种基于北斗导航系统的节能型智能公交电子站牌系统结构设计方案,有利于市民选择公交作为出行方式.同时,能提升公交公司的服务水平和质量。     

城市化进程中农民工与公共文化服务体系构建研究

文章从农民工的文化困境及权益保障出发,探讨了公共文化服务体系建设对促进农民工城市融入的意义与作用,以期为进一步提高我国城市化水平提供理论基础。     

沈阳市公示语翻译现状及规范化

公示语翻译规范化对城市的形象有很重要的影响。本文从旅游景区公示语、交通和道路公示语、商业场所公示语和其它场所公示语四个方面分析沈阳市公示语翻译现状并提出公示语翻译规范化的策略。     

Introducing Willingness‐to‐pay for Noise Changes into Transport Appraisal: An Application of Benefit Transfer

Abstract

Numerous research studies have elicited willingness‐to‐pay values for transport‐related noise. However, in many industrialized countries including the UK, noise costs and benefits are still not incorporated into appraisals for most transport projects and policy changes. This paper describes the actions recently taken in the UK to address this issue, comprising: primary research based on the city of Birmingham; an international review of willingness‐to‐pay evidence; the development of values using benefit transfers over time and locations; and integration with appraisal methods. Amongst the main findings are: that the willingness‐to‐pay estimates derived for the UK are broadly comparable with those used in appraisal elsewhere in Europe; that there is a case for a lower threshold at 45 dB(A)Leq,18h rather than the more conventional 55 dB(A); and that values per dB(A) increase with the noise level above this threshold. There are significant issues over the valuation of rail versus road noise, the neglect of non‐residential noise and the valuation of high noise levels in different countries. Conclusions are drawn regarding the feasibility of noise valuation based on benefit transfers in the UK and elsewhere, and future research needs in this field are discussed.     

Workshop 4: Designing contracts/concessions: What has worked and what has not and why?: 12th International Conference Series on Competition and Ownership in Land Passenger Transport

A contract establishes a mutual relationship between an authority and an operator. From the point of view of the authority, it is a tactical level mechanism to achieve the strategic objectives of government. Management of contractors translate the requirements of contracts into operational practices to guide the day-to-day work of staff for the delivery of services. Much can go wrong with contracts for the provision of public transport services. Workshop participants identified and ranked 25 potential risk factors. The five most important factors, which relate to objectives, tender assessment, allocation of risks, financial viability and dispute management, were examined drawing on the 11 papers presented to the workshop. Matters that work, that do not and would make the most difference to the success of contracts were identified.