DEFINITIONS OF TRANSIT SYSTEMS TERMS

Transcription

1 APPENDIX III DEFINITIONS OF TRANSIT SYSTEMS TERMS This appendix presents definitions of new and refined concepts and terms as well as definitions of basic concepts of transit systems and technology but not including technical components and hardware. The listing is not intended to be either comprehensive or exhaustive for the entire transit field. ACCELERATED SERVICE Transit line operation in which successive TUs travel without stopping through alternate sets of stations on a predetermined schedule. Examples: skip-stop and zonal service. AERIAL TRAMWAY Passenger transportation mode consisting of cabins suspended on a stationary cable and towed by a moving, usually closed-loop cable, used to overcome steep gradients, deep valleys, or bodies of water. ARTICULATED BUS (AB) or ARTICULATED TROLLEYBUS (ATB) A 16 to 18-m long three axle bus or trolleybus with the rear body section connected to the main body by a joint mechanism that allows the vehicle to bend in curves and yet have a continuous interior. ARTICULATED RAIL VEHICLE (1) An extra-long (17- to 50-m) rail vehicle with 2, 3, 5, or 7 bodies connected by joint mechanisms that allow bending in curves yet with a continuous interior. Very common on LRT and streetcar systems but also found on several recently built RRT systems. (2) Rapid transit cars with separate bodies sharing a common truck. AUTOMATED GUIDED TRANSIT (AGT) Any guided transit mode (with rubber tires or rails) with fully automated (driverless) operation; the term usually refers, however, only to guided modes with medium-sized vehicles, sometimes referred to as modes. Operates on regular transit lines or as a shuttle system in airports and other activity centers. Also refered to as automated people mover (APM) or people mover system (PMS). AUTOMATED PEOPLE MOVER (APM) See AUTOMATED GUIDED TRANSIT. AUTOMATIC TRAIN OPERATION (ATO) A control system that performs all functions of train travel along a transit line. AUTOMATIC TRAIN PROTECTION (ATP) A control system that prevents trains from following each other at less than a safe stopping distance. AUTOMATIC TRAIN SUPERVISION (ATS) A system that controls movements of all trains on a transit line or a network. BASIC OPERATING UNIT (IN RAPID TRANSIT) The smallest number of RT vehicles that can operate independently: usually 1 to 3, exceptionally 4 to 5 cars. Most common types are: MARRIED PAIR (MP) Two semipermanently coupled cars sharing some mechanical/ electrical equipment Urban Transit Systems and Technology. Vukan R. Vuchic Copyright 2007 John Wiley &Sons, Inc. ISBN:

2 576 APPENDIX III SINGLE UNIT (SU) A car that can operate by itself THREE-CAR UNIT Three semipermanently coupled cars sharing some mechanical/ electrical equipment BUS (SERVICE) Transit services provided by buses; they include: BUS RAPID TRANSIT (BRT) Bus transit designed as an integrated system of distinct bus vehicles, mostly separate ROW (category B or A), preferential treatments at intersections, ITS, and other elements for greater efficiency. Its better performance and stronger image result in greater passenger attraction than regular bus. BUS TRANSIT SYSTEM (BTS) A bus service developed as a coordinated system with improvements in ROW separation, stops, vehicles, operations, passenger information, etc., for higher speed, reliability, and efficiency. EXPRESS Express transit service operated by buses. REGULAR (RB) OR LOCAL Common urban bus routes serving all stops, as distinguished from short-haul and express services. SUBSCRIPTION Bus service provided exclusively for persons who subscribe for a time period (week, month, year) to travel every working day at the same time on the same route (commuting). Also used for special groups, such as the disabled. BUS GATE A bus priority signal control for intersection approaches. Signals located 30 to 40 m upstream from the intersection stop traffic in regular lanes while the bus lane remains open, allowing buses to proceed to any lane at the intersection signal ahead of other traffic. BUS LANE Traffic lane for dominant or exclusive use by buses. It may be: CONTRAFLOW (CBL) The same as a regular bus lane but with buses operating in the opposite direction from other traffic. EXCLUSIVE (EBL) Bus lanes (usually two) for bus use only, physically separated (by curbs or barriers) from other traffic. REGULAR (RBL) A lane on urban streets or freeways reserved for bus use only, separated from other 1anes by pavement markings, signs, or rubber cones but not by fixed physical barriers. BUS RAPID TRANSIT See BUS SERVICES, BUS RAPID TRANSIT. BUS TRANSIT SYSTEM See BUS SERVICES, BUS TRANSIT SYSTEM BUSWAY A roadway reserved for buses only (ROW category A). CABLE CAR Rail transit mode with single cars (without motors) propelled by a continuously moving cable located in an underground slot between rails. CAPACITY (TRANSIT) (l) Static: total number of spaces or persons a vehicle can accommodate. (2) Dynamic: the maximum number of TUs, vehicles, spaces, or persons that can be transported on a transit line past a fixed point in one direction per unit of time (usually 1 hour). Major concepts of both static and dynamic capacities are: FLEET (or ROLLING STOCK) The total number of passenger spaces in all vehicles of a transit fleet. LINE (C) The maximum number of spaces which transit vehicles on a line can transport past a fixed point in one direction per unit of time (usually 1 hour).

3 APPENDIX III 577 LINEAR VEHICLE ( ) The number of spaces per unit of vehicle length (meter). OFFERED The line capacity in sps/h, or theoretical maximum ability of a line to carry persons, as distinguished from utilized, practically achievable capacity in prs/ h. POINT The maximum number of vehicles or spaces that can cross a point in any direction per hour. SCHEDULED LINE The number of spaces transported on a line per direction per hour with a given line operating schedule. STATION (C s ) The maximum number of spaces transported in vehicles stopping at a station per direction per hour. TU LINE (f max ) The maximum number of TUs that can pass a fixed point per direction per hour, or maximum frequency of service. UTILIZED (C p ) The maximum number of persons transit vehicles on a line can transport past a fixed point per direction per hour. VEHICLE (C v ) The total number of passenger spaces in a vehicle. In some cases this may refer to the number of seats only. VEHICLE LINE (c) The maximum number of vehicles that can pass a fixed point per direction per hour (as single vehicles or in trains). WAY (C w ) The maximum number of spaces which can be transported in vehicles past a point per direction per hour without stopping. CAR SHARING System of cars parked at many locations in the city at which subscribed members can take them for use during a period of time, paying by the amount of use. CITY TRANSIT Transit lines serving urban area, as distinguished from short-haul and regional transit lines. COG RAILWAY A rail transportation mode with auxiliary or full traction via a geared wheel in the middle of a powered axle, which is engaged with a linear vertical gear (rack) installed along the track center, providing traction on very steep grades. COMMUTER RAILROAD, see REGIONAL RAIL COMMUTER TRANSIT Transit services operated during peak hours only, primarily serving work trips. CONCURRENT FLOW BUS LANE, see BUS LANE, REGULAR CONSIST (TRAIN) A composition of rail cars coupled in a train. CONSUMPTION RATE The ratio of the quantity of a certain resource utilized in a process (e.g. of transporting) to the quantity of a specific output of the process, such as kwh/veh-km. CONTRAFLOW BUS LANE, see BUS LANE, CONTRAFLOW DEMAND RESPONSIVE TRANSIT Paratransit services with routes and schedules partially or fully determined by travel desires of individual passengers. Examples: dial-a-ride, taxi. DOUBLE-ARTICULATED BUS An m long bus with three articulated body sections and four axles. DIAL-A-RIDE (DAR) A paratransit service consisting of minibuses or vans directed from a central dispatching office to pick up and drop off individual passengers according to their desires expressed via telephone.

4 578 APPENDIX III DUAL-MODE OPERATION A transit operation that involves two different travel modes, such as steered and guided (dual-mode vehicles), with ICE and electric traction (dual-mode bus or rail vehicle), on ROW category C and A (LRT on street and in tunnel), manual and automatic driving (recent RRT systems), and others. EXCLUSIVE BUS LANE, see BUS LANE, EXCLUSIVE EXPRESS SERVICE A transit line with long spacings between stations that has high operating speed and serves primarily long trips. It usually operates on the same street or parallel tracks as a local line with more frequent stopping, which serves short trips and acts as collector/ distributor for the express. FUNICULAR A passenger transportation mode consisting of a pair of rail vehicles (or short trains) permanently attached to two ends of the same cable, counterbalancing each other. May have a single track with a turnout or a double track. Used to overcome steep gradients. GUIDED TRANSIT Transit modes with vehicles physically guided by guideway; includes rail, monorail, AGT, and several other technologies. GUIDEWAY A travel way (rail track, guide beam, riding and guiding surfaces, and others) that physically guides vehicles specially designed to travel on it. Guideways always require ROW category A except rail, which can be placed in any category (A, B, or C). HEAVY RAIL see RAIL RAPID TRANSIT HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE (HOV) Vehicle of any type (automobile, van, bus or others) that carry at least a certain prescribed number of passengers (usually four). Concept used for reserved HOV lanes. HIGHWAY TRANSIT Transit modes with highway (rubber-tired, steered) vehicles; includes all bus modes, trolleybuses, and paratransit. HYBRID: SERVICE Bus services between conventional fixed-route transit bus and paratransit, including route-deviation, DAR and others. VEHICLE bus or rail transit vehicle with propulsion combining two different motors, such as ICE and electric, which operate in optimal combination for each regime, such as acceleration, low or high speed, etc. HYDROFOIL Boat with two foil supports on which the boat rises to reduce water drag and travel at much higher speed than conventional boats. INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM (ITS) Transportation or transit system which utilizes computers, scanners, communications and other electronic devices to enhance safety, short headways, priority signals, passenger information, etc. INTERURBAN Electric rail transit service between cities and towns in close proximity to each other, with lengths of 15 to 80 km. This mode usually has ROW category B, high speed, and comfort. JITNEY (SERVICE) Paratransit service provided in passenger cars, vans, or minibuses along fixed routes, sometimes with minor deviations. Vehicle ownership, scheduling and organization of service vary among cities. Used extensively in cities of developing countries that have inadequate transit service. KISS-AND-RIDE (K R) A mode of travel by transit when the passenger is driven to or from a transit station by another person.

5 APPENDIX III 579 LEVEL OF SERVICE (LOS) An overall measure of all service characteristics that affect users. LIGHT RAIL RAPID TRANSIT (LRRT) Light rail transit with ROW category A on its entire length. It may have low- or high-level platforms and visual or signal control. Mode between LRT and RRT. LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) A transit mode utilizing predominantly ROW category B, sometimes A or C, on different network sections. Its electrically powered rail vehicles operate in oneto four-car TUs. The mode has a wide range of LOS and performance characteristics. LOAD FACTOR ( ) The ratio of passengers carried to offered passenger spaces in a TU or on a line during certain period of time. LOCAL SERVICE (l) Transit line operation in which all TUs stop at all stations or (2) Transit service in a city or its immediate vicinity as distinguished from regional transit or interurban lines. LOW-FLOOR VEHICLE Bus or rail vehicle with floor not higher than 0.35 m above the travel way or TOR which allows fast and easy boarding/ alighting, accommodates the disabled and eliminates the need for high platforms. Used for buses, LRT and RGR modes. METRO A popular name for rail rapid transit systems. MODE, TRANSIT A transit system category characterized by specific ROW, technological, and operational features. Examples: trolleybus, express bus, rail rapid transit. MODULAR (VEHICLE) CONSTRUCTION Vehicle design consisting of components (modules) which can be replaced, simplifying repairs, or exchanged, increasing utilization of vehicle fleet. MONORAIL A guided transit mode riding on or suspended from a single rail, beam or tube; vehicles usually operate in trains. OPERATING REGIME Any state of vehicle motion with a specific physical characteristic, such as acceleration, constant speed, or deceleration (coasting and braking). PARATRANSIT Modes of passenger transportation consisting of small or medium capacity highway vehicles offering service adjustable in various degrees to individual users desires. Its categories are: PUBLIC Paratransit services available to any user who pays a predetermined fare. Main modes: taxi, jitney, dial-a-ride. SEMIPUBUC Paratransit services available only to persons of a certain group, such as a company, neighborhood, etc. Examples: vanpools, subscription buses, car sharing. PARK-AND-RIDE (P R) A mode of travel by transit when passengers drive to a transit station and park their automobiles in the station s P R lot. Possible with any transit mode but most commonly used with rail modes, particularly RT and RGR. PEOPLE MOVER SYSTEM (PMS), see AUTOMATED GUIDED TRANSIT PERFORMANCE (TRANSIT SYSTEM) A composite measure of transit system operating characteristics, mostly quantitative, such as service frequency, speed, reliability, safety, capacity, and productivity. PERSONAL RAPID TRANSIT (PRT) An imaginary transit mode consisting of small-capacity (two to six spaces) cabin-type vehicles traveling automatically over an elaborate system of guideways; individuals or small acquainted groups would use a cabin to travel between origin and

6 580 APPENDIX III destination stations without stopping. The concept is hypothetical and not feasible in the real world. PREMETRO An LRT system designed with provisions for easy conversion into RRT (metro). PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY (P c ) The product of line (or vehicle) capacity and its operating (or technical) speed. Dimension: sps-km/h 2. A good composite representative of transit system performance. PRODUCTIVITY The quantity of (transportation) output per unit of consumed resource. For example, veh-km/driver/hour, or prs-km/unit cost of operation. RAIL RAPID TRANSIT (RRT) Electrically powered rail vehicles usually operating in 4- to 10- car trains on ROW category A. In many performance features such as speed, capacity, reliability, safety, and operating efficiency superior to all other transit modes. Also called HEAVY RAIL and METRO. RAIL TRANSIT A family of transit modes with rail technology. Major ones, generally in ascending order of performance, are streetcars, light rail transit, rail rapid transit, and regional rail. RAPID TRANSIT (RT) A generic class of electrically powered guided transit modes that operate exclusively on ROW category A and have high speed, capacity, reliability, and safety. Includes RRT, RTRT, LRRT, and most RGR systems.* REGIONAL RAIL (RGR) A regional passenger service, usually provided by railroad agencies, that consists of electric or diesel-powered trains on grade-separated railroad lines (sometimes with protected grade crossings). Characterized by very high performance and service quality. REGIONAL TRANSIT Long bus or rail transit lines with few stations and high operating speeds that primarily serve long trips within metropolitan regions, as distinguished from city transit and short-haul transit. REGULAR BUS LANE, see BUS LANE, REGULAR REGULAR BUS (SERVICE), see BUS (SERVICE), REGULAR REGULAR or ALL-DAY TRANSIT SERVICES Transit lines operated during most hours, typically 16 to 18 hours per day. RIGHT-OF-WAY (TRANSIT), (ROW) (l) Strictly defined, a legally and physically separated strip of land for exclusive use by transit vehicles; crossings may be allowed, (2) Broadly defined, any path or way on which transit vehicles travel. Based on the latter definition, transit ROW are classified in three categories: CATEGORY A Fully controlled ROW without (or with fully protected) grade crossings or any legal access by other vehicles or persons; also called grade-separated, private, or exclusive ROW. It can be a tunnel, aerial, or at grade level. CATEGORY B ROW types that are longitudinally physically separated (by curbs, barriers, grade separation, etc.) from other traffic, but with grade crossings for vehicles and pedestrians, including regular street intersections. * Since rapid transit is well known by its high performance, various modes are often called rapid transit, although they technically do not belong in that class of modes. Examples: BRT and PRT. The first is actually bus transit system, since no bus line has ROW category A only. As for the second, no PRT has achieved high speed, capacity, and safety in actual applications.

7 APPENDIX III 581 CATEGORY C Surface streets with mixed traffic. Transit may have preferential treatment, such as reserved but not physically separated lanes, or it may travel in general traffic lanes. ROLLING STOCK A collective term for a fleet of rail (transit) vehicles. RUBBER-TIRED RAPID TRANSIT (RTRT) The same as rail rapid transit except that the vehicles ride on and are guided by rubber tires on a specially designed guideway with concrete or steel running surfaces. Switching and vehicle support in cases of tire failure may be provided by additional steel wheels and conventional rail track or by other mechanisms. SEMIRAPID BUS, see BUS RAPID TRANSIT. SEMIRAPID TRANSIT A generic class of modes utilizing mostly ROW category B, but C or A may also be used on some sections. By performance, it is between street transit and rapid transit. Examples: BRT and LRT. SERVICE (TRANSIT) A transportation service offered by a transit operating agency to the public; it is classified by: STOPPING SCHEDULE or TYPE OF OPERATION Local, accelerated, and express services. TIME OF OPERATION Regular or all-day, commuter or peak-hour, and special or irregular services. TYPES OF ROUTES AND TRIPS SERVED Short-haul, city transit, and regional transit. SERVICE QUALITY (SQ) Qualitative elements of service affecting passengers, such as convenience of using the transit system, riding comfort, aesthetics, and cleanliness. SHORT-HAUL TRANSIT Low-speed transit services for circulation within small areas, usually with high travel density, such as CBDs, campuses, airports, exhibition grounds, and other major activity centers (MACs). SINGLE-BODY VEHICLE A bus or rail vehicle with one rigid (nonarticulated) body. SPECIAL TRANSIT Irregular transit services provided on special occasions, such as sport events, exhibitions, and public festivities or for special groups, such as tourists, school students, and the handicapped. SPECIALIZED TECHNOLOGIES Transit modes with other than highway or rail technologies, mostly used for short-haul services or for special physical conditions (steep grades, water bodies, etc.). Also called specialized transit modes. Examples: cog railway, funicular, ferryboat. STATION (TRANSIT) An off-street at-grade, under-, or above-street-level facility for stopping of transit vehicles to pick up and drop off passengers. Usually has boarding/ alighting platforms, waiting area, fare collection, information, and related facilities. STOP (TRANSIT) An on-street location where transit vehicles stop to pick up and discharge passengers. It has a sign and basic service information, sometimes also a shelter with benches. STREETCAR (SCR), TRAMWAY, or TROLLEY A street transit mode consisting of electrically powered rail vehicles operating in one- to three-car TUs, usually on ROW category C. STREET TRANSIT A generic class of transit modes operating on streets with mixed traffic (ROW category C). Examples: regular bus, trolleybus, and streetcar. SUBSCRIPTION BUS, see BUS (SERVICE), SUBSCRIPTION SUBURBAN RAILROAD, see REGIONAL RAIL SUBWAY Rapid transit in tunnels. Sometimes used as a popular although incorrect name for any rapid transit.

8 582 APPENDIX III TAXI A standard or specially designed passenger automobile operated by a professional driver and hired by one or a group of users for individual trips. TECHNOLOGY (TRANSIT) Mechanical features of vehicles and ways, primarily vehicle support, guidance, propulsion, and control. TERRAIN-SPECIALIZED TECHNOLOGIES A subcategory of specialized technologies comprising modes for operation on unusual terrain (hills, ravines). Examples: aerial tramway, cable car, cog railway. TRAM-TRAIN Popular name for the transit mode combining LRT and RGR: LRT vehicles traveling on railway lines between center city and suburbs. TRAMWAY See STREETCAR TRANSFER Change between vehicles of the same or different modes (intra- and intermodal, respectively) in the course of passenger travel. TRANSIT Urban public transportation services with fixed routes and schedules, such as bus, trolleybus and rail services. Also called mass transit, mass transportation, or public transit. TRANSIT MODE CLASSES Groups of transit modes classified by their basic characteristics such as: ROW CATEGORY Street (C), semirapid (B), and rapid transit (A). TECHNOLOGY Highway, rail, and specialized technology transit. SERVICE OR TYPE OF OPERATION, see SERVICE (TRANSIT) TRANSIT PRIORITY Physical devices or traffic regulation measures which separate or speed up transit vehicles over general traffic. TRANSIT UNIT (TU) One or more transit vehicles traveling together as a physical unit. A joint term for a single vehicle and train. TROLLEYBUS (TB) An electrically propelled bus that obtains power via two trolley poles from two overhead wires along its route. It can travel a limited distance on battery power or auxiliary ICE. URBAN PASSENGER TRANSPORT All movements of persons in urban areas; this can be classified by: TYPE OF USAGE: Private (walking, bicycle, auto); for hire (paratransit); and public (transit); PASSENGER VOLUME: Individual (one or a few persons); and group (many persons). URBAN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Transport systems for intraurban or intraregional travel available for use by any person who pays the established fare. It consists of transit and paratransit. Also URBAN TRANSIT. URBAN TRANSIT See URBAN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. UTILIZATION Ratio of output to input of the same or similar unit, such as person-km/ space-km or vehicles operated/ vehicles owned. VANPOOL (SERVICE) Privately or publicly provided vans transporting groups of persons to and from work on a regular basis. Drivers are usually selected from each passenger group. WATERBORNE (TRANSIT) SYSTEMS Transit services over water bodies. Most common modes are boats and ferries.