Analysis of the operational efficiency and capacity of Mölndals Bro bus terminal Integrating dynamic queue modeling and PTV Vissim simula tion for performance evaluation and capacity assessment

Abstract

Urbanization, climate goals, and the need for efficient transportation have highlighted the importance of an attractive and effective public transport system. Buses play a crucial role in urban mobility due to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness. This study focuses on Mölndals bro, one of Gothenburg’s major bus terminals, aiming to evaluate its future capacity using queue theory and microsimulation. The objectives include: (1) conducting a comprehensive data analysis to understand bus arrival patterns and dwell times, (2) developing a dynamic queue model based on queue theory to assess the station’s capacity and probability of queue formation, and (3) performing microsimulations using PTV Vissim to explore different scenarios and evaluate system performance. The scenarios included, the station as it is operating today, the addition of another bus line, the addition of a new bus line plus two added berths. The findings indicate that none of the tested scenarios would experience significant congestion or queues, with the probability of a full station below 5% in each direction. The addition of two extra berths would further enhance capacity and proved to be the best solution to increasing capacity. The study underscores the significant impact of dwell time and scheduling on the operational capacity of Mölndals bro. This research provides valuable insights for decision-makers, as the method could be used as a tool, although it should not be the sole basis for major decisions, but rather a guidance tool for evaluating bus station capacity.