OPERATIONAL LEVEL-OF-SERVICE INDEX MODEL FOR RAIL RAPID TRANSIT

In planning a new transit system or considering alternatives to improve services of an existing transit system, it is essential to consider both the system capacity and the levels of service. However, the concept of transit level of service, unlike that of highways, is not well established. Although the level of service is directly related to capacity, their relationship is poorly understood. A level-of-service index model is described that attempts to establish levels of service for rail rapid transit on the basis of vehicle load factors and headways. The model clearly demonstrates the relationship between level of service and system capacity. It may be used as the basis for developing practical tools for assisting transit agencies to plan a new system or for rail rapid transit operators to better manage train operation, including, for instance, selection of optimal operating schemes and assurance of service quality. The proposed model also makes it possible to compare the levels of service offered by different rail rapid transit systems on a common basis, and it may be used to develop a standard service guideline, which may be adopted by local transit agencies with modifications to reflect local conditions.