Key indicators in evaluating rapid transit performance are headway regularity, waiting times and schedule adherence. The theoretical literature on these topics is extensive, but its practical application to complex transit systems with fluctuating scheduled headways, especially during and around the rush hours, raises many analytical issues. In this paper, analytical methods are developed by the New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Office of the Inspector General for measuring service of the New York subway system. Problems with applying existing formulae and methods are addressed, and practical solutions are offered. Limitations and uses of statistical techniques like correlation coefficients are examined. The paper demonstrates how to construct a probability model for waiting times and shows original ways to use one to evaluate and diagnose transit performance. The paper also presents theoretical perspectives for further development of a performance model.
Samenvatting