Connecting with transit: Using connectivity to align and schedule transit service

Abstract

Transit service can be aligned and scheduled to allow passengers to transfer between routes that arrive together and provide the opportunity to connect. In modular networks, timed-connections at every intersection of routes are independent of frequency and do not require additional schedule time. Recovery time to accommodate variable traffic levels and transit speeds can be added as needed. Routes can be aligned over an incomplete grid of roads or provide additional transit capacity between major destinations. Routes with lower ridership can be scheduled with lower frequency of service. Portions of the same route can be served with different frequencies. A central grid of routes can branch as radial suburban routes. Modular networks can be applied to the constantly changing headways between faster, rapid buses and slower, local buses. In each case, timed-connections allow passengers to transfer between routes without delay.