Deterministic model of headway disturbance propagation along an urban public transport line

Abstract

In an urban public transport system, the primary disturbance in the headway arising in the context of departure times has a tendency to propagate through the system. In this paper, by analyzing the movement of vehicles along a specific transport line, the parameters affecting the propagation of the headway disturbance were identified. The established links between these parameters were utilized in the development of a deterministic model. The model describes the propagation of disturbance in the headway by stops along the line, as well as scheduled vehicles at one urban public transport line. The analysis revealed that the number of stops along the line and the passenger boarding intensity have the most significant effect on the propagation of disturbance in the headway.