Modelling public transport stops by microscopic simulation

This paper presents a microscopic model for the study of operations at public transport stops, mainly bus stops and light rail transit stations, from the perspective of the traffic analysis. Firstly, a description of a public transport stop as a traffic mechanism is offered. Then the issue of stop capacity is reviewed, providing typical values of transit system capacities. The most wide-spread analytical model of stop capacity – the Highway Capacity Manual formula – and its components is discussed. Next, a microscopic simulation model as a tool for computing stop capacities and related impacts is described. Results of the calibration and validation of the model are also presented. Two applications are developed to illustrate the model capabilities. The first example deals with a light rail transit station and articulated trams; the second one consists of different classes of buses stopping at a bus stop. It can be concluded from these applications that the proposed model may provide more detailed information about stop operations than other existing approaches.