Integrating network concept into multi criteria analysis for suggesting bus rapid transit routes

Abstract

Population explosion in the city of Johor Bahru has led to traffic congestions, which hitherto to that there were better movements and flow of vehicles in and around the city. Road transportation in particular has played a gargantuan role in creating and maintaining easy and quick access to various destinations. Increases in the number of vehicle indicate a higher economic prosperity that contributes to traffic congestion within the city. This can be seen in a number of developments such as increased population density and creation of alternative routes over several years, which has still not totally eradicated the traffic congestion problems of the city. Ideally, a good public transport service would carry the passenger directly from their origin to their destination without having to face traffic congestion. The buses may not be available and accessible from certain origins or destinations of residents or they may need to walk some distances from their residents to the bus stops resulting into discouragement for most of the people using public transport services. This paper aims to utilise geospatial analysis approach to suggest effective bus routing that would be able to increase connectivity to rural areas and boost commercial activities through better transportation. Route selection is the process of finding locations that meet the selection criteria for each parameter using Geographic Information System (GIS). The process employs applied multi-criteria decision analysis and network analysis to generate thpsye highest score areas for bus rapid transit (BRT) route by maximising network and mobility and ensuring the newly suggested routes are connected to the existing networks of BRT to serve the community.