Optimising public transport timetables

Summary

In its efforts to improve the public transport system and attract new passengers, Kaunas modified the public transport route system, introduced a new software system to create route and schedule databases, and improved service quality.

Implementing sustainable mobility

With a fairly centralised city-based public transport service comprising buses, trolley buses and over 600 microbuses (with 12 to 16 seats) operating on 46 public transport routes, Kaunas needed to coordinate and optimise the schedules and frequencies of all three service providers.

With the help of the new PIKAS software, timetables could be designed based on increases and decreases in passenger flow throughout the day. This allows timetables to be based not only on inter-connecting services but also on the variable passenger counts on the bus, trolleybus and microbus lines.

Specific VIVALDI objectives were:

• a modified public transport network;
• the elimination of micro-bus transportation in the city centre;
• a more attractive public transport system (by means of traffic control, new vehicles and an improved information system); and
• a new ticketing system

Progress

• New ticket punchers were installed on buses and trolley buses.
• New bus shelters were constructed with better information displays.
• The PIKAS transport management system was introduced to improve public transport management and attract new passengers. As a result of the new software, an integrated system of public transport services was created, and public transport users are able to access all public transport information via a single Internet site.
• Public transport routes were reviewed, with some routes cancelled and others better managed. The new system was designed so that trolley buses serve the central part of the city, buses operate in the industrial and residential districts, and minibus taxis serve the suburbs of Kaunas (i.e. the longest routes).  

Outcomes

The redevelopment of the public transport system in Kaunas using the PIKAS software can be regarded as a success. As a result of measure implementation, public transport routes more closely reflect passenger usage. Kaunas is the first city in Lithuania to present the timetables of minibus taxis together with bus and trolley bus timetables on the public transport website. The website attracts an average of 700 hits per day.

There was a decrease of over 18 percent in the number of minibuses and a 30 percent reduction in the number of minibus routes (with the cancellation of 14 routes). These changes are believed to have had a positive impact on total emissions.

The measure had no real impact on car usage. Activities related to the modernisation and popularisation of the public transport system began in Kaunas at time when the number of private cars was increasing. It should also be borne in mind that other economic and social changes were also going on during this period. Lithuania’s accession to the EU brought new opportunities for many, and with more disposable income, many people were attracted to the idea of owning their own car.