Can shorter routes truly boost bus service reliability?

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Shorter bus routes can improve service reliability

Research indicates that shorter bus routes can significantly enhance service reliability. Studies suggest that unreliability increases proportionally with travel distance, implying that shorter journeys are inherently more dependable. Furthermore, a hub-and-spoke network model, which utilises shorter routes to connect passengers to central interchanges, has been proposed as a cost-effective method to increase bus frequency.
Route rationalisation and distance impact

Analysis of current bus routes suggests that shortening them is a key step towards improving reliability. Research conducted by Professor Lee Der-Horng and his colleagues at the National University of Singapore (NUS) demonstrated a linear correlation between unreliability and travel distance. This finding implies that bus services tend to be more dependable when their routes are shorter.
Benefits of splitting long routes

Further support for route optimisation comes from studies by Alex Erath, a senior researcher at Future Cities Laboratory. His work on bus systems has indicated that dividing a lengthy bus route into two distinct segments could potentially lead to a 35 per cent improvement in reliability. This suggests a strategic approach to route management can yield tangible benefits for service dependability.
Hub-and-spoke model for increased frequency

NUS Professor Paul Barter has explained that a shift towards a hub-and-spoke network layout can boost bus frequency at a minimal cost. This model involves buses operating on shorter routes to transport commuters to an interchange. From these interchanges, passengers can then connect to other buses or trains, also operating on shorter routes, thereby increasing overall service availability and reducing wait times.

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Can shorter routes truly boost bus service reliability?

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