Modelling pedestrian travel time and the design of facilities: a queuing approach

PLoS One. 2013 May 15;8(5):e63503. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063503. Print 2013.

Abstract

Pedestrian movements are the consequence of several complex and stochastic facts. The modelling of pedestrian movements and the ability to predict the travel time are useful for evaluating the performance of a pedestrian facility. However, only a few studies can be found that incorporate the design of the facility, local pedestrian body dimensions, the delay experienced by the pedestrians, and level of service to the pedestrian movements. In this paper, a queuing based analytical model is developed as a function of relevant determinants and functional factors to predict the travel time on pedestrian facilities. The model can be used to assess the overall serving rate or performance of a facility layout and correlate it to the level of service that is possible to provide the pedestrians. It has also the ability to provide a clear suggestion on the designing and sizing of pedestrian facilities. The model is empirically validated and is found to be a robust tool to understand how well a particular walking facility makes possible comfort and convenient pedestrian movements. The sensitivity analysis is also performed to see the impact of some crucial parameters of the developed model on the performance of pedestrian facilities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Facility Design and Construction*
  • Humans
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Time and Motion Studies*
  • Travel*
  • Walking*

Grants and funding

This study was supported by the Research University (RU) Grant Scheme, [Acct. No.: 1001/PJJAUH/811097], Universiti Sains Malaysia. Khalidur Rahman wishes to thank Universiti Sains Malaysia for the financial support (USM Fellowship). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.