Evaluating Real-Time and Scheduled Public Transport Data: Challenges and Opportunities

Scheduled timetable information has been used extensively in studies concerned with estimating travel times in accessibility research. Fewer studies to date have involved the use of real-time public transport data to help investigate the impacts of travel disruptions or cancellations of service on reported spatial and temporal patterns of accessibility. The aims of this paper are to introduce, describe, and compare the salient features and relative merits of alternative data sources relating to real-time transport data that could be utilized in such applications. By drawing attention to the potential of real-time data originating from such sources, this study makes recommendations for those considering building on the use of scheduled data to incorporate travel time reliability within transport applications. We conclude by highlighting the need for further research that explores the potential of using openly available sources of real-time traffic data in studies that incorporate accessibility analysis.