An approach for evaluating connectivity of interrupted rail networks with bus bridging services

The paper proposes an analytical framework for evaluating, in the case of interrupted conditions, the effect of bus bridging services on the degree of connectivity of rail networks. The average travel time is used to compare a normal network and an interrupted rail network. Different situations in interrupted rail network are compared with a normal network, namely, making passengers wait for troubleshooting, detouring them to other routes, and the bus bridging service strategy. The study uses ratios of average travel time under various situations to assess the connectivity of interrupted rail transit. The approach is applied to a case study based on the Beijing public transit system and actual travel data. It found that bus bridging is a relatively effective method of enhancing the connectivity of metro network and minimizing delays. In particular, key factors such as the behavior of affected passengers, the willingness to use bus bridging service, and transfer passenger, which influence connectivity of interrupted rail networks with bus bridging services, are provided.