The Impact of Rolling Stock Heterogeneity on Tram Stop Dwell Time

Abstract

The prediction of stop dwell time is a major issue in travel speed modeling, i.e., in the definition of travel time for high-frequency and high-ridership rail public transport. This is due to the numerous influential factors associated with stop dwell time, variable both in space and time, such as passenger flow, vehicle and stop design characteristics, and traffic organization. To investigate the impact of the heterogeneity of tram vehicles on stop dwell time, a survey was conducted regarding the tram network of the City of Zagreb. The dwell time at three consecutive island stops served by three different tram vehicle types was analyzed. The stops are located near the city center, in a separate tram corridor, at the far side of signalized intersections. Dwell time was determined and evaluated through the statistical analysis of observed, measured, and video-recorded data. The results show that at stops with up to 200 passengers per hour, the dwell time is around 15 s. For volumes of 20 passengers or less per tram, the dwell time is mostly affected by the tram door opening mechanism and opening/closing time. As the passenger volumes become higher, the number of doors per vehicle becomes more significant.