Public Transportation Systems

Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare

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Details

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Provider

MIT OpenCourseWare
Pricing

Free Video
Languages

English
Duration & workload

22 hours
Sessions

On-Demand

Found in

Overview

This course discusses the evolution and role of urban public transportation modes, systems, and services, focusing on bus and rail. It covers various topics, including current practice and new methods for data collection and analysis, performance monitoring, route design, frequency determination, vehicle and crew scheduling, effect of pricing policy and service quality on ridership.

Syllabus

1. Introduction (for 1.258J Public Transportation Systems, Spring 2017).
2. Data Collection Techniques and Program Design.
3. Modal Characteristics and Roles.
4. Short-range Planning.
5. Short-range Planning (cont.).
6. Modal Capacities and Costs.
7. Cost Estimation.
8. Ridership Forecasting.
9. Performance Models.
10. Origin, Destination, and Transfer Inference.
13. Vehicle Scheduling.
17. Customer Information Strategies.
19. Transit Signal Priority.
20. Transit Service Reliability.
21. Fare Policy, Structure, and Technology.
22. Public Transportation Systems.
24. Baumol's Disease.

Taught by

Prof. Nigel Wilson , Dr. Gabriel E. Sanchez-Martinez and Dr. Neema Nassir

Reviews

4.4 rating, based on 9 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Public Transportation Systems

Shahriar Rezaee

Title: Public Transportation Systems (Spring 2017) - Course Review I recently completed the Public Transportation Systems course in the Spring of 2017, and I'm pleased to share my review. Firstly, the course content was exceptionally well-structur…

Title: Public Transportation Systems (Spring 2017) - Course Review

I recently completed the Public Transportation Systems course in the Spring of 2017, and I'm pleased to share my review.

Firstly, the course content was exceptionally well-structured, covering a wide range of topics pertinent to understanding public transportation systems. From the history and evolution of public transit to the latest innovations and challenges, the curriculum provided a comprehensive overview.

The instructors demonstrated profound expertise in the field, offering valuable insights and real-world examples that enhanced the learning experience. Their passion for the subject matter was evident, making lectures engaging and thought-provoking.

One aspect I particularly appreciated was the emphasis on sustainability and the role of public transportation in reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly mobility solutions. This aspect of the course not only enlightened me but also instilled a sense of responsibility towards advocating for greener transportation options.

Moreover, the inclusion of case studies and group projects facilitated practical application of theoretical concepts, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds enriched discussions and provided valuable perspectives.

The resources provided, including readings, multimedia materials, and guest lectures, complemented the lectures effectively, allowing for a deeper understanding of complex topics.

Lastly, the course administration was efficient, with clear communication regarding assignments, deadlines, and grading criteria. The feedback received on assignments was constructive and helped me identify areas for improvement.

Overall, the Public Transportation Systems course was both enlightening and inspiring. It equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand, analyze, and contribute to the advancement of public transportation systems. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in sustainable urban development and transportation planning.
Jamila Ibrahim

I recently took the Public Transportation Systems course and was thoroughly impressed with the comprehensive and engaging content. The instructors did an outstanding job of breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand modules, and the interactive simulations and case studies allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. The course's focus on the practical aspects of public transportation systems, such as route planning, scheduling, and operations, gave me a deep understanding of how to effectively manage and optimize these systems. Overall, I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to develop a strong foundation in public transportation systems and gain practical skills in the field.
Gnanavel.M

Thank you for a great course. Great presentation style with lots of opportunities to ask questions and talk about real life examples which all made for a really enjoyable and informative course." "This has more than met my expectation
Bello Emmanuel Oluwasegun

The course is so educative and enlighten. Giving the essentials of public transportation systems. Many thanks to MIT opencourse ware for this opportunity.
Chiranjeevi

It clearly explained how public transport is the backbone of a healthy city. From reducing traffic and pollution to fostering walkable neighborhoods and economic growth, the site broke it all down. I learned how planning for accessibility, frequency, and first-mile/last-mile connections makes public transport a game-changer. Now I can confidently explain why well-designed public transportation systems are key to thriving cities. By incorporating these elements, educational resources can provide a more comprehensive picture of public transportation systems and their impact on urban planning.
Harneet Kaur

I had the privilege of enrolling in MIT's "Public Transportation Systems" course via MIT OpenCourseWare in Spring 2017. This course provided an exceptional, well-structured educational experience, offering a balanced mix of theory and practical appl…

I had the privilege of enrolling in MIT's "Public Transportation Systems" course via MIT OpenCourseWare in Spring 2017. This course provided an exceptional, well-structured educational experience, offering a balanced mix of theory and practical application. Real-world case studies enriched the learning process, and engaging instructors made the online format feel interactive. The course's relevance to contemporary urban challenges, such as sustainability and congestion, was a highlight. Thoughtful assignments encouraged critical thinking. In summary, this course is a valuable resource for students and professionals interested in public transportation, delivering a comprehensive, up-to-date understanding of the field and practical insights into urban mobility's future. Highly recommended.
Manisha Anand Jamdar

thought it was well planned and layed out, easy for me to follow. The work load(h.w. & test)was just enough, so i could finish everything with enough time, learn about the topics and not feel over loaded and rushed.

Overall I really like this class because all lectures, assignments, and tests are straight forward. A couple things I dislike about the class are that there should be more opportunities for extra credit and it would be awesome if the final was an objective essay about what we have learned in this class or what we like about the class. I believe that I have more knowledge about ocean, weather, and marine lives and hopefully, I can use them in real life.
Otonoku Ovayioza Vivian

This course is very educative. The learning process was awesome. The use of simple English language made it more understanding. I will encourage alot of people to come here and learn.
Dinkle Chauhan

Please share notes and presentation need to improve. Otherwise all ok liked jt but needed to note on these reason