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No description available.

This thesis describes the nature of the specification and design of revenue collection systems from four urban mass transit systems: Manchester Metrolink, Sheffield Suptertram, Grenoble Tag Light Rail system and the Netherlands National Ticketing system. Previous research in this area has been generated from an industry perspective that has focused on new technologies and types of ticketing systems available. In addition fare collection is frequently discussed, and there is academic research available, in relation to pricing theory and policy. However, as yet there appears to be no theoretical or empirical research examining urban mass transit revenue collection systems and their specification. This research was initiated from a supplier of revenue collection systems expressing dissatisfaction in the design and specification selection procedure. In addition there was a need to conceptualise the important role that a revenue collection system plays in achieving a public transport operator's objectives. The aim of this study was to add to the theoretical base of this research area through the four case studies and to improve the design and selection of revenue collection systems in `real life' situations. Due to the nature of the research area being `real world' and revenue collection systems being bespoke, theoretical propositions were created from the literature review in order to guide the research and test the hypothesis. Through the theoretical proposition the role of the revenue collection system in a service marketing context is also established. This thesis is presented in seven chapters. Chapter 1 provides an introduction and background information to the research area. In Chapter 2 the research methodology is discussed together with the nature of the research. In Chapter 3 the literature review and the generation of the theoretical propositions and hypothesis are presented. In Chapter 4 the case studies describe the nature of the revenue collection systems and their specifications. In chapter 5 the case study analysis is undertaken based upon the theoretical propositions. Chapter 6 presents the overall conclusions and tests the hypothesis; it also presents recommendations for improving revenue collection system specification. Finally Chapter 7 discusses the research and its strengths and weaknesses and suggests areas for further research.

Diss. Karlstad : Karlstads universitet, 2006.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 105-110). / Background and Objectives: Public transport operations in South Africa, and in particular Gauteng Province, are riddled with problems. The service is characterised by poor performance, most evident in late arrivals, over crowdedness, and non-availability outside peak hours, among other. Most often, old and unsafe vehicles are used in operations, which compromise the safety of passengers. The 1997 Gauteng White Paper on Transport Policy provides for the monitoring of levels of service (LOS) as one of its key policy areas. To this effect, this research aimed to determine minimum and target public transport LOS, based on the actual level of service provision in Gauteng Province. Emphasis was placed on the provision of public transport services in areas where the greatest need exists and that will benefit most from improvements to the system. Broadly defined, this research aimed to provide answers to the questions set out below. * Is there any public transport service available and is it possible to gain access to it? * How frequently are the services provided? * Is the service affordable? * What level of service can be expected? * What are the demand and cost implications of providing an improved service? The main objectives of this research was thus to develop appropriate and sustainable public transport KPls and LOS, to test the practicality of formulated KPls and LOS, and to establish the additional investment levels required to address the backlog within the public transport system in Gauteng.

Evaluation Problem: The Western Cape Provincial Government faces a public problem of declining service levels with respect of public bus transport services. Stemming from the public problem is the management problem of modelling choice behaviour of commuter stated choices for utility maximisation and therefore as a means of optimising the allocation of the Public Transport Operating Grant (PTOG) expenditure. Historically, differing perceptions amongst travellers, and the difficulties in quantifying these attributes, mean that they are rarely included (directly) within the modelling and appraisal process, or the associated utility computation (Crockett, Sinclair and Whelan. 2008:11). A combination of policies which would ensure that the discrete choices of commuters for an improved bus service are considered in a modal shift from the Golden Arrow Bus Services (Pty) Ltd (GABS) bus service to the MyCiTi Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) service is required to be produced from this evaluation. Evaluation Approach: The evaluation brings together data and analytical information on a broader, more inclusive, societal model of the public transport service in Cape Town. It seeks to: - identify the value aspects of the public bus transport infrastructure and services, - identify and model choice behaviour of GABS bus service users, - generate preference valuations for public transport service attributes and - determine the effect of service attributes on modal choice namely GABS and a hypothetical MyCiTi service area. A discrete choice experiment models the stated choices of respondents who were made to choose between various combinations of service levels during the morning and afternoon peak commuting times. The commuters' willingness to pay for a switch to a new MyCiTi IRT-type service from their current choice of an existing GABS bus service is estimated. The choice data is collected by means of an on-board bus survey along three particular routes in Table View, a West Coast Region in the City of Cape Town, South Africa and where the new MyCiTi service is being introduced. The analyses will show which service attributes are significant in commuter mode choice behaviour, such as changes travel time, fare prices and other significant service attributes, as well as which level of service would maximise utility for the target population. Major Evaluative Conclusions: The evaluation found that the DCE choice modelling approach used was unfamiliar to the respondents and would most likely not have been completely understood. Although the factorial approach to designing the experiment could identify an exhaustive list of value aspects to choose from, the need to adopt a fractional factorial in the final design does necessitate further experimentation to produce a more comprehensive choice model, inclusive of more service attributes and with the discrete choice models corroborated with revealed preference data. Seat availability was by far the most significant choice determinant and the lack thereof would be a serious deterrent to a modal shift to using the new MyCiTi service. The number of transfers during the trip and the distance of the bus stop from home were also significant choice determinants. The choice models indicated that the female commuters particularly, were willing to pay for the new MyCiTi bus-type service. In the absence of suitable seating capacity, a reduced travel time would be required to reduce the standing times and make the MyCiTi service an attractive option. The analysis produced inconclusive data for ridership predictions, although it can generally be said that provided sufficient seating, the GABS bus users will be willing to switch modes, as there is no indication in the data to suggest otherwise. Considering the preferences expressed for the service attributes, a hypothetical service can be proposed, with a service mix of R9.00 per trip, that would take 45 minutes and that offered the commuter a seat for the journey. The first bus stop would be no more than two kilometres away and the journey would consist of no more than one transfer to reach the final destination.

No description available.

No description available.

Paratransit operations in cities in developing countries play an important role in public transport provision. The operations are run within the realm of the infonnal sector and are highly flexible. There are numerous operators running one or two vehicles on a cash basis. This and other issues contribute to the problems with the services that are provided. Poor reliability and stability in supply are the main problems. Despite these serious problems, there has been little research on possible solutions to resolve them. The present study is aimed at improving understanding of the operation of such systems. It assesses the effects on users and operators of different routing, stopping and scheduling regimes. A new model of paratransit operations is developed. The problem of paratransit operations is conceptualised in terms of interactions between demand and supply. The interactions take place in time and geographical space and are shaped by the actions taken by individual users and individual vehicle operators. The model is designed to overcome some of the restrictions on the definitions of time - and in particular space - that are found in existing methodologies. A modelling approach designed to represent the two dimensions as realistically as possible was adopted. Two techniques are central to the construction of the model. Simulation techniques are used to model the temporal processes and a Geographical Information System (GIS) for the spatial processes. The two are complementary to overcome the inherent weaknesses in either approach. Modules are developed to represent demand and supply at a microscopic level. The Model of Paratransit Services (MOPS) involves interfacing a GIS and external modules for dynamic processes. The model was validated against field data collected in Harare, Zimbabwe. Experiments were run for a case study area and the results that were obtained on routing, stopping and scheduling regimes are reported in developing countries.

The chosen project stems from the broader context of Maputo as waterfront city. Increased industrial privatisation of the harbour strip adjacent to the city’s historic Baixa district led to the relocation of public functions, away from the downtown water’s edge and so disconnecting city life from the water. The potential of the city reconnecting to the water is thus latent. The dissertation responds to this potential by reintroducing a public program to the waterfront site. The building integrates with a greater urban vision for the precinct, whereby the industrial waterfront strip is reprogrammed with a layer of mixed use functions. A water-borne public transport node is the architectural typology to be explored. The architectural study aims to investigate the consolidation of currently fragmented water transport modes in one facility and so promote integration between different users and the public. Exploration also includes investigation of dualities and contrasts. Interaction between formal and informal trade, water and land transport, and international trends versus local influences are explored. The projected growth of the city further necessitates the expansion and improvement of water transport infrastructure. The proposed interchange connects all public water -borne modes of transport in Maputo, additionally establishing the link between the city and the water, and subsequently the downtown area with satellite suburbs around Maputo Bay. The design acknowledges the historic nature of the site and context, and adds an additional layer whilst responding to the richness of the existing in an environmentally sensitive manner. The social context of Maputo as a capital city in a developing country is another important consideration. The informal, public, transient nature of the context informs the design, juxtaposed against a first world, international business and tourism centre. The facility will aid in the reintegration of the waterfront with the city, effectively connecting it to other modes of transport. / Dissertation (MArch(Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Architecture / unrestricted