The objective of this study is to develop a design method for regional public transport networks. The following central characteristics apply to the design method developed: (1) Each structure (international, national, regional, etcetera) is preferably designed independently; (2) When designing the structure, choose a primarily top-down approach, with feedback from the bottom up; (3) Firstly, define the ideal network, separately from the transport means, then bring this network into a relationship with the existing infrastructure; (4) First determine the access points (stops/stations) which must be included, and then the links; and (5) design primarily on the basis of the core hierarchy; comparison with the transport flows only in the second place. In the design method developed for regional public transport networks, the following steps are followed: (a) determine the access points (stops/stations) to be included in the network; and (b) determine the number of links to be included in the network. The design method is applied to determine both the Dutch national network of public transport services and the determination of three regional public transport networks. These regional networks have been developed for three provinces: Utrecht, Overijssel and North Holland.
Abstract