Foursquare ITP performed comprehensive runtime, timepoint, layover, and headway analyses for CATS to improve the reliability of their fixed-route bus operations. Our challenge was to provide recommended run times for the entire CATS bus system for each day of the week. Their current methodology made this a time-consuming and challenging assignment.
Our recommendations included a visual ShinyApps dashboard, a final report with route profiles, Excel worksheets, and updated OIR files that can be easily uploaded into their HASTUS system. The results have been, and will continue to be, improved to enhance on-time performance and reliability for the entire CATS system.
Solutions and Outcomes
- Revised scheduled runtimes based on observed travel patterns using a 25%, 50%, 80% method of allocating time throughout segments of a trip.
- Recommended removing timepoints from the runtime schedule based on pre-determined criteria to help streamline it.
- Analyzed layover to schedule trips to 95% of their running time and prevent delays in subsequent trips.
- Used the headway analysis to adjust runtimes, shorten cycle times, and reduce vehicle demands.