TransitGuru Limited > Vision

Vision

TransitGuru Limited believes that the best possible transit service should be designed, regardless of the funding situation. In most cases, funding constraints can provide innovative solutions that can improve the system's utility. TransitGuru Limited always presents ways to expand transit's availability and utility while remaining within the given budget. This method of design would then foster discussion and advocacy for improved transit funding to further increase transit's reach.

Transit is a Network

  • Transfers should be pleasant to the rider
  • Using transfer nodes save operational expenses
  • Transfer nodes also enable additional frequency or hours of service for each route
  • Requires visioning and planning to match service supply with ridership demand
  • Network planning should be revisited on a periodic basis to ensure effectiveness

Mind the Vehicle Hours

  • Minimize deadhead time for vehicles entering or leaving service
  • Ensure adequate, but economical recovery time
  • Adjust route lengths to optimize service that often requires adjusting other nearby routes
  • Match service supply with ridership demand

Be Generous with Service

  • Where possible, provide high frequency service along high ridership corridors
  • Provide an 18-20 hour per day, seven-day per week network across the service area
  • Save a few vehicle hours for overnight or late-night networks
  • Using creative planning and design, this can be done within virtually any budget

Order of Operations (Network Design Heirarchy)

  • Fixed Guideway
    • Heavy and Light Rail Lines
    • Exclusive Bus Rapid Transit Corridors
    • Inclines or Gondolas
    • "People Mover" type services
  • High Frequency Network
    • Operate service 18+ hours daily
    • Operate at least every 15 minutes all-day, everyday
    • Focus service along high-ridership corridors
  • Seven-day base network
    • Operate service 18+ hours daily
    • Operate service across entire service area
    • Most routes would feed a Fixed Guideway or High-Frequency Route
    • Typically operates every hour
  • Supplemental Weekday/Saturday Service
    • Supplemental to base network where substantial ridership warrants service
    • It is recommended to provide Sunday service if Saturday service is offered for simplicity
    • Service of this type is offered where and when the base network is insufficient at serving ridership
  • Peak-only Weekday Service
    • Supplemental to base network where substantial peak ridership exists and sufficient funding permits
    • To minimize complexity, determine standards at which specialized peak-only service may be offered
    • When funding is exceptionally low, peak-only service may need to be absorbed into base network

What Fare is Fair?

  • Encourage transfers either through a day pass, unlimited timed ticket, or both
  • Unless providing unlimited transfers, it is not recommended to charge additional for transfers
  • Provide passes at prices that encourage pass usage, while meeting targeted fare recovery ratio
  • Consider "letting the software do the work" by automatically scaling the pass based on riders smartcard usage
  • Use proof-of-payment on fixed guideway and bus rapid transit corridors
  • Consider pay-enter all-times, understanding impact to PM Peak dwell times (notably in Seattle and Pittsburgh)
 

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