Public transport systems' connectivity: Spatiotemporal analysis and failure detection

Public Transport (PT) plays a major role in passenger flow as an affordable and efficient mode contributing for sustainable transportation by way of traffic congestion and air pollution reduction. Those advantages are impaired if the PT system does not provides a continuous accessibility and connectivity for all prospect passengers. Hence, it is imperative to assess the performance of PT systems based on the system's spatial and temporal properties. For the failure detection, three connectivity indicators are being used: a) transportation network coverage (direct and indirect); and b) stop transfer potential. These indicators are used for the identification of connectivity issues and flaws. Each indicator provides the means to identify the causes in terms of network coverage, routes structure and coverage, stops locations, frequencies, and transfers synchronization. A case study of Dolo area, which is part of Veneto region (Italy), is introduced. The analysis is focused on the hospital connectivity. The current PT system is analyzed, followed by identifying connectivity failures, and improvements recommendations. Results show that connectivity to the hospital by PT is characterized by long ingress and egress distances, low frequencies, and lack of fast and efficient transfers. The local authorities can easily use the tool to pinpoint stops to be relocated, as well as time-tables change, all in order to increase the connectivity by PT to the hospital.