Practical explanations of transit planning, scheduling, and operations.
11 articles
Scheduling Explained3 min read
A connection needs time for passengers to leave one bus, reach the next boarding location, and board again. Good transfer planning considers ordinary variation and the consequences of missing the next departure.
Read ArticleScheduling Explained3 min read
The first and last buses determine which daily activities transit can support. A useful service span must provide a practical arrival, workable connections, and an opportunity to return home.
Read ArticleTransit Operations2 min read
A bus is not always interchangeable with every other bus in the fleet. Passenger capacity, route geometry, block mileage, fuel type, battery range, charging needs, and other vehicle characteristics can determine which assignments are practical.
Read ArticleTransit Operations1 min read
Passengers see a timetable designed for travel planning. Operators need something more detailed. An operator paddle translates scheduled trips, timepoints, breaks, route changes, and other instructions into the working schedule used to operate the service.
Read ArticleTransit Technology2 min read
When a trip-planning app shows a route, stop, departure time, or transfer, much of that information may come from GTFS. This standardized collection of transit data allows agencies to publish schedules in a format understood by trip planners and other transportation applications.
Read ArticleScheduling Explained2 min read
The same route may need more running time at 4:00 PM than at 6:00 AM. Transit schedules change throughout the day because traffic, passenger activity, school schedules, employment patterns, and other conditions rarely remain constant.
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