Route 5 Snapshot: 28 July-24 August

Introduction

This article discusses service quality on Route 5 between 28 July and 24 August. Route 5 was created as part of New Ways to Bus earlier this year; it runs frequently between Rideau and Elmvale on Elgin, Main, and Smyth. Previously, the "5" designation belonged to a local route between Rideau and Billings Bridge, and the current service span was covered by a smorgasbord of local and frequent routes. 

Route 5 is fairly well-behaved most times of the day. However, problems appear at certain times of the day, and cancellations remain a scourge on service quality. 

Route 5 is relatively well-behaved in most times of the day, with problems being concentrated to certain times of day ... and to the cancellation of service. Internal analysis like this can identify problem spots on the network, to be targeted with something more specific than redesigning the scheduling system or similar interventions. 

Data, as always, comes from Transsee. 

Bus Scheduling, Part III: Efficiencies, Improvements, and Flexibility

Introduction

This is the third and final part of the series on bus scheduling. The first two parts can be found here. 

Remember that OC Transpo claims that their system "permit[s] more flexibility," "increase[s] efficiency," and "reduce[s] operating costs." 

In fact, their scheduling system is not flexible, does not increase efficiency, and increases operating subsidies through a combination of unreliable service and increased deadhead and layover times, which are not, or cannot, be manually revised to ensure cost savings. By ending random interlining and looking at bus operating cost from a standpoint of bus allocation rather than the endlessly stupid "1 minute of travel time savings is $40,000 saved!" from the last Transit Committee meeting, we can improve service, if only the network and schedule design was treated as part of the process rather than as stone tablets handed down from God himself.