Congestion and bus frequency

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the issues of bus frequency, modal split, bus service subsidy and bus size in the context of a generalized cost steady-state model. In the literature on transportation, these types of models are often applied to peak period road use, yet have been less than comprehensive in including costs arising from congestion. In this dissertation a steady-state model is developed and its results critiqued. Then, five sources of congestion are detailed and incorporated into a reconstructed steady-state model. The results of this model are analyzed with regard to the above issues and compared to the steady-state model. The major conclusion drawn from this inclusion of congestion costs is an obvious one--optimization is consistent with relatively high speeds, indicating very little congestion. It is further concluded that second-best results can closely approximate first-best results, and that smaller buses can generate similar results at much lower subsidy levels.