A procedure is described for estimating ride checks (ons and offs by stop) by updating old ride checks with recent multiple-point-check data (on, off, and load at selected points). The procedure involves synthesizing an origin-destination (o-d) matrix method and bringing this matrix into agreement with the point-check observations using multiproportional adjustments. Testing on several los angeles buslines indicates how estimation accuracy varies with number of points checked, number of days checked, and length of time period of aggregation. Period-level estimates for periods as small as 20 min are found to have reasonably good accuracy for total boardings, passenger-miles, and maximum load. The procedure can be an economical way to derive ride-check data. This paper appears in transportation research record no. 1209, Transit administration and planning research.
Abstract