Computer-Aided Line Network Design (DIANA) and Minimization of Transfer Times in Networks (FABIAN)

Abstract

Line network, service frequencies, the conditions for transfer passengers as well as the tariff-structure are fundamentals in the description of service levels in public transport. These features — separately and together — have a strong influence on the attractiveness as well as the economic viability of a public transport system. Within the various tasks to plan and control public transport, fig.1 shows these tasks which are summarized in the step “traffic engineering”.

Planning of line networks as well as determination of service levels are important tasks in the design of public transport systems. It is an objective in planning of networks and definition of service levels to offer to the passenger a high service frequency in a network which is as dense as possible with the simultaneous need to minimize operating expenses. DIANA is a EDP-system for computer aided design of public transport networks and definition of service levels. On the basis of O-D-data related to stops/stations DIANA generates a network with maximum direct connections of passenger trips and minimum operating costs. With its fully interactive structure the DIANA-system gives a new comprehensive tool to the planner, giving at his diposal all required figures for quick examination of network and service level variants. Connections within public transport networks should be planned to reach a minimum of waiting times for the passengers. In analogy to the Transyt algorithm known from the establishment of optimal settings for signalized area traffic control systems in individual traffic an optimization tool is developed for minimizing waiting times for changing passengers in public transport networks. The system FABIAN offers the chance to introduce optimization at different levels.

In practical applications of DIANA and FABIAN considerable improvements could be reached. The structure of both systems is presented with special emphasis on algorithm and criteria.