A simulation of transit bus emissions along an urban corridor: Evaluating changes under various service improvement strategies
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2014
Subject Area
infrastructure - busway, infrastructure - stop, mode - bus, place - north america, planning - environmental impact, planning - service level, technology - emissions, technology - passenger information, technology - ticketing systems
Keywords
Transit bus emissions, MOVES, Reserved bus lane, Smart card, Express bus service, Articulated bus
Abstract
This study investigates the impacts of transit improvement strategies on bus emissions along a busy corridor in Montreal, Canada. The local transit provider, Société de Transport de Montréal, has implemented a number of strategies which include the use of smart cards, limited-stop (express bus) service, and reserved bus lanes along this corridor. Using data collected on-board for instantaneous speeds and stop-level ridership, we estimated bus emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants at three levels: road segment, bus-stop, and per passenger. A regression of segment-level emissions against a number of explanatory variables reveals that reserved bus lanes and express bus service reduce emissions significantly. On the other hand, smart card use reduces idling emissions compared to other fare payment methods. Our findings are of most relevance for transit planners who are seeking to implement different strategies to reduce emissions and improve transit performance.
Rights
Permission to publish the abstract has been given by Elsevier, copyright remains with them.
Recommended Citation
Alam, A., Diab, E., El-Geneidy, A.M. & Hatzopoulou, M. (2014). A simulation of transit bus emissions along an urban corridor: Evaluating changes under various service improvement strategies. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, Vol. 31, pp. 189–198.
Comments
Transportation Research Part D Home Page:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/13619209