Congestion in public transport system - A micro-simulation analysis of congestion in public transport in Brunnsparken and Centralstationen by using software PTV Vissim

Abstract

This report describes an analysis of a highly congested public transport area, which is located in the center of the city of Gothenburg. A microscopic model is created in order to analyse the congestion in the area and investigate the effect of potential implementation of stop-skipping solutions, in which some stop points are removed. A literature review was conducted regarding congestion in public transport and how different types of stop-skipping have been applied previously. Further, the process of the creation of the model and the used simulation tool PTV Vissim is explained. The data, which form the basis of the simulation imput, are obtained from Västtrafik AB. Further, to validate the results of the model, the desired speed of the model has been calibrared by conducting fiel study measurements. The delay and the average speed of the vehicles are compared for the current situation and the stop-skipping scenarios. Moreover, the saved time for all passengers, which might need to walk between the transport hubs Brunnsparken and Centralstationen are estimated. The desirability of the solutions is analysed by comparing the lost time for travelers having to walk between these hubs for different proportions of alighting passengers. In addition to that, the implementation of stop-skipping entails, to some extent, less travel time and increased average speed for public transport vehicles serving the hubs. The reducation of travel times and an increased speed, could be used to increase the frequency of the lines and thereby the capacity of public transpor lines in service. This could contributes to achieve the goal of the municipality to increase the number of trips by public transport to 55% by 2035. This is especially important though demands are expected to increase due to the expected population growth of the city of Gothenburg. Finally, the consequences of the implementation of the stop-skipping solutions are discussed and a recommendation for further studies is been suggested.