IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/pubtra/v14y2022i3d10.1007_s12469-021-00287-9.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Mode boundaries of automated metro and semi-rapid rail in urban transit

Author

Listed:
  • Luigi Moccia

    (Istituto di Calcolo e Reti ad Alte Prestazioni, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
    Interuniversity Research Centre on Enterprise Networks, Logistics and Transportation (CIRRELT))

  • Duncan W. Allen

    (IBI Group)

  • Gilbert Laporte

    (Interuniversity Research Centre on Enterprise Networks, Logistics and Transportation (CIRRELT)
    HEC Montréal
    University of Bath)

  • Andrea Spinosa

    (Università La Sapienza)

Abstract

Our research question is to what extent, and under what circumstances, full automation in metro lines defines transit mode boundaries with respect to semi-rapid transit. The modeling approach is based on micro-economic appraisal. Automation, beside changing the investment and operation and maintenance cost profiles of metro lines, can improve some aspects of the user experience. The low marginal cost of frequency possible with automated metro may unlock both users’ benefits via reduced waiting times and crowding, and operator’s savings via shorter trains and smaller platforms and stations. We show how the user’s travel time components are structurally different under several configurations. In particular, we highlight the critical role that different demand and alignment patterns play in the mode comparison.

Suggested Citation

  • Luigi Moccia & Duncan W. Allen & Gilbert Laporte & Andrea Spinosa, 2022. "Mode boundaries of automated metro and semi-rapid rail in urban transit," Public Transport, Springer, vol. 14(3), pages 739-802, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:pubtra:v:14:y:2022:i:3:d:10.1007_s12469-021-00287-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s12469-021-00287-9
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s12469-021-00287-9
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s12469-021-00287-9?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. N. Oort, 2016. "Incorporating enhanced service reliability of public transport in cost-benefit analyses," Public Transport, Springer, vol. 8(1), pages 143-160, March.
    2. Tirachini, Alejandro & Hensher, David A. & Jara-Díaz, Sergio R., 2010. "Restating modal investment priority with an improved model for public transport analysis," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 46(6), pages 1148-1168, November.
    3. Daganzo, Carlos F., 2012. "On the design of public infrastructure systems with elastic demand," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 46(9), pages 1288-1293.
    4. Luigi Moccia & Duncan W. Allen & Gilbert Laporte, 2020. "A spatially disaggregated model for the technology selection and design of a transit line," Public Transport, Springer, vol. 12(3), pages 647-691, October.
    5. Moccia, Luigi & Laporte, Gilbert, 2016. "Improved models for technology choice in a transit corridor with fixed demand," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 245-270.
    6. Daganzo, Carlos F., 2012. "On the Design of Public Infrastructure Systems with ElasticDemand," Institute of Transportation Studies, Research Reports, Working Papers, Proceedings qt577170v2, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Berkeley.
    7. Daganzo, Carlos F., 2010. "Structure of competitive transit networks," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 44(4), pages 434-446, May.
    8. Mi Diao & Hui Kong & Jinhua Zhao, 2021. "Impacts of transportation network companies on urban mobility," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 4(6), pages 494-500, June.
    9. Wadud, Zia & MacKenzie, Don & Leiby, Paul, 2016. "Help or hindrance? The travel, energy and carbon impacts of highly automated vehicles," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 1-18.
    10. E. E. Osuna & G. F. Newell, 1972. "Control Strategies for an Idealized Public Transportation System," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 6(1), pages 52-72, February.
    11. S. C. Wirasinghe & Nadia S. Ghoneim, 1981. "Spacing of Bus-Stops for Many to Many Travel Demand," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 15(3), pages 210-221, August.
    12. Shyue Koong Chang & Schonfeld, Paul M., 1991. "Multiple period optimization of bus transit systems," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 25(6), pages 453-478, December.
    13. Levine, Jonathan & Singer, Matan & Merlin, Louis & Grengs, Joe, 2018. "Apples to apples: Comparing BRT and light rail while avoiding the “BRT-Lite” trap," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 20-34.
    14. Tirachini, Alejandro & Antoniou, Constantinos, 2020. "The economics of automated public transport: Effects on operator cost, travel time, fare and subsidy," Economics of Transportation, Elsevier, vol. 21(C).
    15. Moccia, Luigi & Giallombardo, Giovanni & Laporte, Gilbert, 2017. "Models for technology choice in a transit corridor with elastic demand," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 733-756.
    16. Vukan R. Vuchic & Gordon F. Newell, 1968. "Rapid Transit Interstation Spacings for Minimum Travel Time," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 2(4), pages 303-339, November.
    17. Luigi Moccia & Duncan W. Allen & Eric C. Bruun, 2018. "A technology selection and design model of a semi-rapid transit line," Public Transport, Springer, vol. 10(3), pages 455-497, December.
    18. Fielbaum, Andrés & Jara-Diaz, Sergio & Gschwender, Antonio, 2016. "Optimal public transport networks for a general urban structure," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 298-313.
    19. Abe, Ryosuke, 2019. "Introducing autonomous buses and taxis: Quantifying the potential benefits in Japanese transportation systems," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 94-113.
    20. van Oort, Niels, 2014. "Incorporating service reliability in public transport design and performance requirements: International survey results and recommendations," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 92-100.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Hörcher, Daniel & Tirachini, Alejandro, 2021. "A review of public transport economics," Economics of Transportation, Elsevier, vol. 25(C).
    2. Luigi Moccia & Duncan W. Allen & Gilbert Laporte, 2020. "A spatially disaggregated model for the technology selection and design of a transit line," Public Transport, Springer, vol. 12(3), pages 647-691, October.
    3. Luigi Moccia & Duncan W. Allen & Eric C. Bruun, 2018. "A technology selection and design model of a semi-rapid transit line," Public Transport, Springer, vol. 10(3), pages 455-497, December.
    4. Militão, Aitan M. & Tirachini, Alejandro, 2021. "Optimal fleet size for a shared demand-responsive transport system with human-driven vs automated vehicles: A total cost minimization approach," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 151(C), pages 52-80.
    5. Moccia, Luigi & Giallombardo, Giovanni & Laporte, Gilbert, 2017. "Models for technology choice in a transit corridor with elastic demand," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 733-756.
    6. Jara-Díaz, Sergio R. & Muñoz-Paulsen, Esteban, 2022. "Lessons from the strategic design of a bimodal public transport system on a linear city," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    7. Chen, Peng (Will) & Nie, Yu (Marco), 2018. "Optimal design of demand adaptive paired-line hybrid transit: Case of radial route structure," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 71-89.
    8. Fielbaum, Andrés & Jara-Diaz, Sergio & Gschwender, Antonio, 2020. "Beyond the Mohring effect: Scale economies induced by transit lines structures design," Economics of Transportation, Elsevier, vol. 22(C).
    9. Fielbaum, Andres, 2024. "On the relationship between free public transport, stop spacing, and optimal frequencies," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    10. Hugo Badia, 2020. "Comparison of Bus Network Structures in Face of Urban Dispersion for a Ring-Radial City," Networks and Spatial Economics, Springer, vol. 20(1), pages 233-271, March.
    11. Proboste, Francisco & Muñoz, Juan Carlos & Gschwender, Antonio, 2020. "Comparing social costs of public transport networks structured around an Open and Closed BRT corridor in medium sized cities," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 187-212.
    12. Guo, Qianwen & Chen, Shumin & Sun, Yanshuo & Schonfeld, Paul, 2023. "Investment timing and length choice for a rail transit line under demand uncertainty," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
    13. Tirachini, Alejandro & Antoniou, Constantinos, 2020. "The economics of automated public transport: Effects on operator cost, travel time, fare and subsidy," Economics of Transportation, Elsevier, vol. 21(C).
    14. Moccia, Luigi & Laporte, Gilbert, 2016. "Improved models for technology choice in a transit corridor with fixed demand," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 245-270.
    15. Andrés Fielbaum & Sergio Jara-Díaz & Antonio Gschwender, 2018. "Transit Line Structures in a General Parametric City: The Role of Heuristics," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 52(5), pages 1092-1105, October.
    16. Fan, Wenbo & Mei, Yu & Gu, Weihua, 2018. "Optimal design of intersecting bimodal transit networks in a grid city," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 203-226.
    17. Fielbaum, Andrés & Tirachini, Alejandro & Alonso-Mora, Javier, 2023. "Economies and diseconomies of scale in on-demand ridepooling systems," Economics of Transportation, Elsevier, vol. 34(C).
    18. Tirachini, Alejandro, 2014. "The economics and engineering of bus stops: Spacing, design and congestion," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 37-57.
    19. Coulombel, Nicolas & Monchambert, Guillaume, 2023. "Diseconomies of scale and subsidies in urban public transportation," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 223(C).
    20. Andres Fielbaum & Alejandro Tirachini & Javier Alonso-Mora, 2021. "New sources of economies and diseconomies of scale in on-demand ridepooling systems and comparison with public transport," Papers 2106.15270, arXiv.org, revised Jul 2021.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:pubtra:v:14:y:2022:i:3:d:10.1007_s12469-021-00287-9. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.