Abstract Public transport in rural and exurban areas faces major challenges, with low population densities making it difficult to provide high-quality, high-occupancy services. While demand-responsive transport is sometimes prescribed as an innovative strategy for service provision, the network planning approach to public transport suggests that integrated timed-transfer or pulse timetable networks should be explored first. This paper examines the rural network approach using examples from Switzerland, which has among the highest rates of public transport use in Western Europe, as well as nationally-coordinated Taktfahrplan scheduling that extends deep into rural areas. The basic Swiss pulse timetabling technique is reviewed, along with the application of the approach to a remote rural case study in Graubünden’s Lower Engadine and Val Müstair. Characteristics of pulse timetable networks and the wider rural network approach are considered, drawing broad lessons for their potential application elsewhere.
Highlights Discusses the characteristics of a network approach to rural public transport. Outlines basic planning techniques for integrated pulse timetable services. Examines the approach’s application in Switzerland, including a remote rural region. Finds that services have relatively high occupancies and low subsidies per passenger. Identifies the need for central planning and cross-subsidisation.
Watching the Swiss: A network approach to rural and exurban public transport
Transport Policy ; 52 ; 175-185
2016-07-28
11 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Watching the Swiss: A network approach to rural and exurban public transport
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