Optimization of Public Transport Services in Small and Medium Size Towns. A Case Study on Spain

Abstract

Optimizing transit services become a challenge when economic resources are limited. Different from big cities which can afford expensive consultancy firms to support the establishment of their transportation plans, small and medium size towns have to face this problem under economic constraints. This paper aims to design a methodology to provide a pragmatic approach to transport planning in small and medium size towns, speeding up this process. The empirical investigation examined a sample of citizens based on stratification sampling methods to identify their transportation needs and preferences with the aim of enhancing the transit service performance and to increase its market share versus others modes of transport. Results show that there is a possibility in these type of towns to attract private car users to public transport when planning is effective.