Human Performance Requirements for an Innovative Transit Bus Operation

Abstract

Human performance requirements for an innovative transit bus operation system utilizing exclusive bus lanes in a downtown are described. Requirements for transit company personnel and bus patrons are discussed. Performance levels achieved during a test and demonstration of the system in downtown Rochester, New York are analyzed. Transit company personnel performed at an average level of 94% compliance with their particular requirements; bus patrons at an average level of 87 percent. Overall compliance level (transit personnel plus patrons) was 74 percent. The system was found to be feasible; it was successfully integrated into regular transit operations. It provided a reserve capacity potential 26% above the then-scheduled flow. Computer simulation using Rochester, New York parameters as inputs suggest that, with certain operational changes, potential capacity could be increased 59% over flows scheduled at the time of the experiment.

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