Planning bus networks
Attracting large numbers of people to use public transport for most of their daily journeys, requires that they be able to make a range of different journeys to a wide variety of destinations.
We understand how networks work – and we help authorities to design easy-to-understand, high frequency networks of services. We understand the trade-offs between patronage or coverage – that is, to operate an optimal number of high frequency services and low frequency feeders, rather than provide a larger number of low frequency services going ‘everywhere’.
Defining the user experience
We conduct public surveys and interviews to understand the community’s travel needs and challenges, aware that efficient connections to employment, leisure and residential areas are key to any system’s adoption and ridership. This enables us to design a joined-up and coordinated network of bus services with convenient transfer arrangements – supported by excellent passenger information and ticketing systems.
Governance and policy
Buses are just one user group on our roads. We help define organisational change and policy initiatives (including demand management, parking and road user pricing) that will support widespread use of bus networks. We advise on governance and policy that can enable a coordinated approach to bus network operations, on-street infrastructure, ticketing, information, branding and customer care.
Arup is working with the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) – the body that oversees public transport in the Emirate – to develop a bus masterplan that will support growth, improve access, and contribute to decarbonisation.
Passengers want reliability, comfort and safety when they are waiting for their bus and travelling. And they want travel to be easily accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Our comprehensive strategic bus masterplan for Abu Dhabi brings all these elements together.
To do this, we are drawing on our firm’s experience of best practice around the world. For key corridors and arterial routes across the Emirate, the masterplan includes high-frequency, high-capacity services and bus priority measures to promote fast and reliable journey times.
Working with demand data and modelling supplied by the ITC, we have suggested changes to routes and optimum interchange locations. These are targeted to improve access to rapidly growing areas while keeping journey times short for popular routes.
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Bus networks
Arup helps clients to build the case for investment, development and implementation of bus networks, that people want to use and add real value to a city or region.