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Public Transport Design and Operations
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:02
Abstract
This course aims at analyzing, designing, improving public transport systems, as part of the overall transport system.
Objective
Public transport is a key driver for making our cities more livable, clean and accessible, providing safe, and sustainable travel options for millions of people around the globe. Proper planning of public transport system also ensures that the system is competitive in terms of speed and cost. Public transport is a crucial asset, whose social, economic and environmental benefits extend beyond those who use it regularly; it reduces the amount of cars and road infrastructure in cities; reduces injuries and fatalities associated to car accidents, and gives transport accessibility to very large demographic groups. Goal of the class is to understand the main characteristics and differences of public transport networks. Their various performance criteria based on various perspective and stakeholders. The most relevant decision making problems in a planning tactical and operational point of view At the end of this course, students can critically analyze existing networks of public transport, their design and use; consider and substantiate possible improvements to existing networks of public transport and the management of those networks; optimize the use of resources in public transport. General structure: general introduction of transport, modes, technologies, system design and line planning for different situations, mathematical models for design and line planning timetabling and tactical planning, and related mathematical approaches operations, and quantitative support to operational problems, evaluation of public transport systems.
Content
Basics for line transport systems and networks Passenger/Supply requirements for line operations Objectives of system and network planning, from different perspectives and users, design dilemmas Conceptual concepts for passenger transport: long-distance, urban transport, regional, local transport Planning process, from demand evaluation to line planning to timetables to operations Matching demand and modes Line planning techniques Timetabling principles Allocation of resources Management of operations Measures of realized operations Improvements of existing services
Resources
Lecture Notes
Lecture slides are provided.
Literature
Ceder, Avi: Public Transit Planning and Operation, CRC Press, 2015, ISBN 978-1466563919 (English) Holzapfel, Helmut: Urbanismus und Verkehr – Bausteine für Architekten, Stadt- und Verkehrsplaner, Vieweg+Teubner, Wiesbaden 2012, ISBN 978-3-8348-1950-5 (Deutsch) Hull, Angela: Transport Matters – Integrated approaches to planning city-regions, Routledge / Taylor & Francis Group, London / New York 2011, ISBN 978-0-415-48818-4 (English) Vuchic, Vukan R.: Urban Transit – Operations, Planning, and Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken / New Jersey 2005, ISBN 0-471-63265-1 (English) Walker, Jarrett: Human Transit – How clearer thinking about public transit can enrich our communities and our lives, ISLAND PRESS, Washington / Covelo / London 2012, ISBN 978-1-59726-971-1 (English) White, Peter: Public Transport - Its Planning, Management and Operation, 5th edition, Routledge, London / New York 2009, ISBN 978-0415445306 (English)
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Public Transport Design and Operations |
|
4 h weekly |