This article uses examples of different types of network design to describe how the telecom network can improve the timetabling and routing of public transport modes. Transport provision is defined in terms of different types of network design (linear, star-shaped and orthogonal). In general, only the total road network forms an orthogonal type network. The Public Transport (PT) network at regional or urban level is star shaped; at a local level it forms a linear network. The Telecom network is basically star-shaped. None is as efficient as an orthogonal network. Linking public transport vehicles to potential customers via the telecom network can decrease travel distances by both improving timetabling and by enabling vehicles to be routed along the total road network as much as possible. Examples of such services are: a) the flexibus; b) the radio taxi; and c) "telecarpooling".
Samenvatting