On the capacity of isolated, curbside bus stops

The maximal rates that buses can discharge from bus stops are examined. Models were developed to estimate these capacities for curbside stops that are isolated from the effects of traffic signals. The models account for key features of the stops, including their target service levels assigned to them by a transit agency. Among other things, the models predict that adding bus berths to a stop can sometimes return disproportionally high gains in capacity. This and other of our findings are at odds with information furnished in professional handbooks.

Research highlights
► Models are developed to predict bus discharge capacity of isolated, curbside stops.
► Influences include the bus arrival process and service time distribution.
► Findings are at odds with information presented in professional handbooks.
► The models can determine a stop’s suitable number of bus berths.