MACMobility Data Analytics Center
← Multi-Modal Transportation Systems

Project

Transit Service Performance Analysis and Bunching Detection Using APC and AVL Data

Using automatic passenger counters (APC) and automatic vehicle location (AVL) data to analyze transit service performance and detect bus bunching.

  • LeadSean Qian
  • FunderPennsylvania Infrastructure Technology Alliance
  • Years2014–2015
Public transit bus

The project aims to fully utilize the big data in public transit to provide travelers fine-grained, customizable information regarding transit service performance — efficiency, reliability, and quality. By analyzing day-to-day transit operations and user responses to information, we developed a better understanding of passenger preferences and modal choices.

The approach leverages big data and data-driven behavioral models to support agency decision-making on scheduling and other operational improvements. The research suggests that combining effective information provision with data-driven scheduling can enhance both service performance and rider experience.