Network centrality analysis of public transport systems: Developing a strategic planning tool to assess passenger attraction

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore the potential of ‘Network Centrality Analysis’ method to estimate passenger attraction to public transportation (PT) stations. Accordingly, the study employed closeness centrality to measure the level of accessibility to a station from surrounding areas via a set of road segments; and betweenness centrality to measure the level of movement opportunities from a station to all other stations within the PT network. The result indicated that the network centrality is a useful indicator for estimating passenger volume at stations. The recorded R2 values are on par with international standards. Further, the findings emphasized the ability of network centrality to account for passengers’ attraction to stations in terms of accessibility to stations and movement opportunities. This method is highly recommended for assignments conducted in developing countries due to the less data consuming and technically simple nature.