Analysis of bus arrival information at bus stops

Abstract

The objectives of this thesis are to check the effectiveness and accuracy of the on-line bus arrival information boards at the bus stops of Singapore, and to figure out the perceived usefulness to bus passengers and commuters. If the accuracy is found to be unsatisfactory, mitigating measures will be proposed as well.

To check the effectiveness, field data were collected for both peak and off-peak periods. Two bus stops were selected randomly with one from a new town and another from the city area. To enhance the efficiency, both manual and video recording methods were carried out at the selected locations after which the analysis of collected data was conducted. From analysis, the accuracy is found to be satisfactory for all the periods.

Another survey was conducted to comprehend the perception of the public (bus passengers at bus stops and others) of the Bus Arrival Information System. From the figures, some of them think that the provided information is not reliable enough, which is definitely contradicts with the facts. Also, they seldom make use of the information during peak hours, but do so for off-peak hours.

As a solution, effectiveness is a vital issue and a relatively high accuracy of bus services is expected. It could attract more and more people to consume the services of public transports, instead of driving car. Land Transport Authority and Public Transport Operators should publicize to allow the public to understand about the usefulness of the Bus Arrival Information System.