Assessing public transport systems connectivity based on Google Transit data

A PT system consists of various physical features such as roads, railways, routes, and stops which are represented by a complex network of spatial and temporal data. Since these networks are usually very large and include millions of entities, it is difficult to assess PT systems. Assessment in this context is defined as the ability to extract and analyze data in an automated and recurring process so as to enhance decision making and to make it possible to compare between PT networks over time. The unified methodology that this work presents for extracting, storing and analyzing PT data enables relatively easy spatial analysis with GIS techniques based solely on: (a) Google Transit feeds and (b) Transportation networks. In order to implement this new methodology for analyzing a PT system, five connectivity indicators are introduced: (a) transportation network coverage level; (b) average speed; (c) intersection coverage level; (d) stop transfer potential; and (e) route overlap. This work demonstrates the proposed methodology by analyzing PT systems in Auckland (New Zealand), Vancouver (Canada), and Portland (Oregon, USA). A PT system consists of various physical features such as roads, railways, routes, and stops which are represented by a complex network of spatial and temporal data (Ceder, 2007; Vuchic, 2005). Since these networks are usually very large and include millions of entities, it is difficult to assess PT systems. Assessment in this context is defined as the ability to extract and analyze data in an automated and recurring process so as to enhance decision making and to make it possible to compare between PT networks over time. The large number of different PT software systems and data sources makes extraction and analysis time consuming tasks that require a dedicated application for each data extraction and analysis. Most assessment models rely heavily on multiple sources of data and consequently extensive efforts are required in order to obtain the data. In this paper, we present a framework for assessing PT networks based on the minimal data required, namely, PT and the underlying infrastructures (road network, rail network, ferry, seaways, etc.). The Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual (Kittelson and Associates et al., 2003) describes four availability factors of PT systems: (i) spatial – where the service is provided, (ii) temporal – when the service is provided, (iii) information – how to use the service, and (iv) capacity – space available for the passenger. These factors delineate …