Abstract
Timetables are a commonly used means of providing bus schedule information to the public. Wide variation exists in the level of schedule information now provided by various transit properties. Some properties provide very detailed information on specific bus arrival time, while others provide only brief statements concerning service frequency. The widely varying practices of transit properties and the limited amount of previous research indicated the need for basic research to determine the optimum amount of schedule information to be included in transit timetables. Two questions were basically considered: (1) What accuracy in schedule adherence may be achieved, and what implication does this have on timetable design? Computer simulation, involving probability distributions of bus running time, formed the basis for this analysis. (2) What level of schedule information is desired by the transit patron? This analysis included on-board surveys with bus riders to determine basic information needs, the preparation of timetables including this information, and focus group interviews with bus riders to determine the applicability of the timetable concepts. The research determined that bus running times between points on a route may vary significantly, and may preclude adherence to a detailed time specific schedule. Problems in schedule adherence are most noticeable on routes with short headways of 10 minutes or less. On-board surveys further revealed that bus riders do not desire time specific schedules for routes with these short headways. Focus group interviews with bus riders confirmed these findings, and determined other characteristics bus riders desire in timetables. The final product of the research is a proposed timetable design procedure.
McCann, Charles Howard Wesley (1981). An evaluation of information to be included in bus transit timetables. Doctoral dissertation, Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -85280.