Modelling and simulation software company PTV Group has issued a major new feature to its web-based tool for local authorities and bus operators to better plan public transport routes and timetables.
The software, which enables operators to deliver services to more passengers while maximising efficiency and minimising cost, now includes passenger demand assignment and ridership volume analysis. This is on top of the existing PTV Lines features providing planners with immediate feedback on operational cost estimates and catchment area KPIs, helping them to create impactful analysis to include in Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIPs), enhanced partnerships, and continuous transformation.
With the passenger assignment tool, analysts can easily understand public transport passenger volumes, allowing them to see the impact of route changes on demand. By uploading an Origin-Destination matrix and zoning system, which can be assigned in a few minutes, they can analyse results through pie charts showing passenger boardings, alightings, and transfers at each stop point on the map, and also view the results in tabular timetable form either as total volumes or as boardings.
The tool also allows planners to analyse the effect of different types of vehicles to better meet demand and improve cost estimations. This includes incorporating these vehicle types such as single or double decker, or electric or hybrid, into groups within a schedule for detailed vehicle and cost calculations.
“The inclusion of demand assignment will really help our users to make informed planning decisions, considering who might use a redesigned service, how much it will cost to run, and how much revenue might be expected,” explained Laurence Chittock, Principal Modeller for PTV UK. “You can also create powerful accessibility analyses in combination with demographic data, helping to improve services for various use cases and target groups.”
Another new feature in PTV Lines allows for the graphical export of data which quickly and easily shows the effect of changes to a bus’s route, frequency or size, and can be shared with stakeholders or decision makers.
PTV Lines also provides a clear picture of an entire local bus network, with users able to test scenarios by moving routes or stops with a simple drag-and-drop user interface. For instance, they can easily reveal how many people live within a 400-metre radius of a stop, or how far residents can travel within a specific timeframe. It can also visualise passenger demand with desire lines which means users can understand where people want to travel to and from and how this corresponds to the existing public transport network.
“With local authorities across the country getting ready to take back control of their bus operations through franchising, there is a significant opportunity to replan bus networks to deliver routes which efficiently serve passengers and reduce the reliance on the private car.” Mr Chittock concludes. “PTV Lines is ideal for strategic public transport planning enabling authorities and operators to design improved services whilst considering patronage and operating costs. It can also be used to design temporary timetable changes and understand the impacts on bus users whose regular service is being diverted due to roadworks or similar.”
PTV Lines has already played a vital role in optimising bus services across France, Italy, and Spain. It’s now transforming bus route planning in the UK.
(Pictures: PTV)
