The document summarizes Barcelona's new bus network plan which aims to make the network easier to understand, more connected, and more efficient without additional resources. The key aspects of the plan include implementing a grid of 17 orthogonal and diagonal routes with frequent 5-8 minute service, and redesigning the network around interchange areas. The plan is being implemented in phases, with 13 routes launched over the first 3 phases from 2012-2014. Early assessments found the new network reduced average travel times and increased ridership compared to the previous network design.

1. Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Josep Mension
Director Central Services &
Deputy Chief Officer of TMB Bus Network
Rethinking Bus Network Design & Operation
CIVITAS Study Tour,
Nantes, 24th February 2015
0

2. Contents
1
• Background
• The Goals
• The New Bus Network
• The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
• The Assessment of the Model
• The Interchange Areas
• Implementing First Phases: 1, 2 & 3
• Final Comments & Some Figures
• Next Steps
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

3. Background
2
• Background
• The Goals
• The New Bus Network
• The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
• The Assessment of the Model
• The Interchange Areas
• Implementing First Phases: 1, 2 & 3
• Final Comments & Some figures
• Next Steps
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

4. Background
3Barcelona’s New Bus Network
101,00 km2 1.620.943 inhabitants 15.985 inhab./km2
Barcelona
ThecityofBarcelona

5. Background
4
Dimension of TMB Bus division:
• 650,000 trips/weekday
• 200 million trips/year
• 1,165 buses
• 4 depots
• More than 4,000 employees
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

6. Background
5
The former BCN Bus network was highly-valued, but:
1. Good links only from the city centre to the outskirts
2. Too many redundant routes, which leads to a less efficient system
3. The only way to increase patronage is adding more resources
4. No significant changes -concerning its layout- have been made since the establishment of
an Integrated Fare System in the BCN Met Region (2001)
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

7. The Goals
6
• Background
• The Goals
• The New Bus Network
• The Orthogonal Routes
• The Assessment of the Model
• The Interchange Areas
• Implementing First Phases: 1, 2 & 3
• Final Comments & Some Figures
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

8. The Goals
7
For the Citizens
Easier to understand
More Connectivity (Effectiveness)
Without more resources (Efficiency)
New Bus Network
Barcelona’s New Bus Network
A Project of a new Network…

9. The New Bus Network
8
• Background
• The Goals
• The New Bus Network
• The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
• The Assessment of the Model
• The Interchange Areas
• Implementing First Phases: 1, 2 & 3
• Final Comments & Some Figures
• Next Steps
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

10. The New Bus Network
9
• Horizontal & Vertical Routes
• Diagonal Routes
• Urban Routes
• Interurban Routes
• Local Bus of the Neighbourhood
• Feeder routes
• ORTHOGONAL & DIAGONAL
GRID NETWORK
• CONVENTIONAL RADIAL
NETWORK
• LOCAL & FEEDER NETWORK
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

11. The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
10
• Background
• The Goals
• The New Bus Network
• The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
• The Assessment of the Model
• The Interchange Areas
• Implementing First Phases: 1, 2 & 3
• Final Comments & Some Figures
• Next Steps
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

12. 11
The new Orthogonal & Diagonal Grid Network: a hybrid
model, based on:
1. The Orthogonal Route Model
2. The “RetBus” Model
+
1 2
The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

13. 12
1.- The Orthogonal Route Model
The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
• Is an isotropic route model (same features all around).
• Is a shape-demand model. It defines one corridor next
to the other without taking into account the demand,
which is expected to be reorganized and to be
readapted to the new routes.
• 4-minute headway on every corridor.
• Average distance between stops: 400 m.
• Instant implementation: from one day to the next.
• Priority measures: more bus lane stretches.
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

14. 13
1.- The Orthogonal Route Model
The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

15. 14
2.- The “RetBus” Model
The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
Basic configuration of the hybrid network and variables
Grid hub & spokes
Complete Semi-alternate Alternate
Model
b
B
a A
S
Methodology
Supply Analysis
Se ng up the model:
hub (grid) & spoke
(next slide)
Op miza on
Min {Z(a, s, H)} → ac*, sc*, Hc*
Demand Analysis
Hybrid network “serve demand”;
op mized parameters: a*, s*, H*
Z, Func on sum of user & operator costs
• a=(a/A), size of central grid
• s, distance between stops
• H, headway
Sensi vity analysis
s
H
a
• A group of 12 high level of service routes that follow a
hybrid hub (grid) & spokes model.
• It’s a serve-demand model
• Different headways are set: 3-minute HW in the grid
zone and 6-minute HW in the antennas.
• Different average between stops: 430 m in the city
centre and 650 m in the outskirts.
• Diverse priority measures on each corridor: signal
priority, new bus lane stretches, etc.
• Gradual implementation.
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

16. 15
2.- The “RetBus” Model
The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
Basic configuration of the hybrid network and variables
Grid hub & spokes
Complete Semi-alternate Alternate
Model
b
B
a A
S
Methodology
Supply Analysis
Se ng up the model:
hub (grid) & spoke
(next slide)
Op miza on
Min {Z(a, s, H)} → ac*, sc*, Hc*
Demand Analysis
Hybrid network “serve demand”;
op mized parameters: a*, s*, H*
Z, Func on sum of user & operator costs
• a=(a/A), size of central grid
• s, distance between stops
• H, headway
Sensi vity analysis
s
H
a
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

17. 16
Main features:
1. Maximum connectivity (from one end to the other of the
city, with no antennas).
2. Serve-demand oriented route system.
3. High & very high frequency routes (5 – 8 min) from 7:00 am
to 9:00 pm.
4. 1! Route per corridor.
5. Average distance between stops: 400 m.
6. 90% of journeys can be made with 0-1 transfers.
7. Gradual implementation (4-5 routes every year)
The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

18. 17
Main benefits:
1. Easier to Understand
2. Maximum Connectivity
3. More Frequent Buses: 5 - 8 min HW
4. A wider span: from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

19. The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
18
The17+8+3orthogonalanddiagonalroutes
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

20. The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
19
The17sea-mountainroutes
Barcelona’s New Bus Network
#1 ÷ #17

21. The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
20
The8parallel-to-the-searoutes
Barcelona’s New Bus Network
#1
÷
#8

22. The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
21
The3diagonalroutes
Barcelona’s New Bus Network
#2
#1
#3

23. 22
The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
Nomenclature:
Barcelona’s New Bus Network
V+ Odd number
H+ Even number
D + 20, 30 or 40

24. The Assessment of the Model
23
• Background
• The Goals
• The New Bus Network
• The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
• The Assessment of the Model
• The Interchange Areas
• Implementing First Phases: 1, 2 & 3
• Final Comments & Some Figures
• Steps
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

25. The Assessment of the Model
24
Output0
Yes
No
Assessment
Optimized model
Average traveling time new model <
Average traveling time current model
Amount of affected passengers ≤ V0
Scientific predesign:
Hybrid Model
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

26. The Interchange Areas
25
• Background
• The Goals
• The New Bus Network
• The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
• The Assessment of the Model
• The Interchange Areas
• Implementing First Phases: 1, 2 & 3
• Final Comments & Some Figures
• Next Steps
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

27. The Interchange Areas
26
Axes are 3 blocks apart from each other
Other cases
Ideal interchange Areas:
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

28. 27
The Interchange Areas
Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Real interchange Areas:

29. The Interchange Areas
28Barcelona’s New Bus Network
InterchangeAreas

30. Implementing Phases 1, 2 & 3
29
• Background
• The Goals
• The New Bus Network
• The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
• The Assessment of the Model
• The Interchangers
• Implementing First Phases: 1, 2 & 3
• Final Comments & Some Figures
• Next Steps
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

31. Implementing Phases 1, 2 & 3
30
Total Routes Phases 1, 2 & 3: 13/28 (46%)
Routes Still Pending: 15/28 (54%)
2012
2013
2014
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

32. The 1st Phase
31Barcelona’s New Bus Network
The2H+2V+1Droutesofthe1stPhase

33. The 1st Phase
32Barcelona’s New Bus Network
H6
Route H8: Z. Universitària –
Fabra i Puig
• Route of reference: 74
• Length: 19.3 km
• Fleet: articulated buses

34. The 1st Phase
33Barcelona’s New Bus Network
H12
Route H12: Gornal – Besòs
Verneda
• Route of reference: 56
• Length: 22.6 km
• Fleet: articulated buses

35. The 1st Phase
34Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Route V7: Pl. Espanya –
Sarrià
• Route of reference: 30
• Length: 22.6 km
• Fleet: standard buses
V7

36. The 1st Phase
35Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Route V21: Pg. Marítim –
Montbau
• Route of reference: 10
• Length: 18.9 km
• Fleet: articulated buses
V21

37. The 1st Phase
36Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Route D20: Pg. Marítim
– Ernest Lluch
• Routes of reference: 57 & 157
• Length: 18.5 km
• Fleet: standard buses
D20

38. The 1st Phase
37Barcelona’s New Bus Network
ThenewurbanfurniturewithRTI&TM

39. The 1st Phase
38
ThenewurbanfurniturewithRTI&TM
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

40. The 1st Phase
39ITS & Smart Mobility a Catalunya 2015
• Two screens: RTI & service info, with digital ink
• Static information
• Solar panel: it can be located anywere
TheEnhancedpoles,PSI

41. The 1st Phase
40
Diversemeasuresofpriority
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

42. The 1st Phase
41
Therollingstock
CNG Standard bus
CNG Articulated bus
Hybrid Biarticulated bus (2013)
Friendly environmentally fleet:
CNG
Hybrid
Diesel Euro V
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

43. The 1st Phase
42
ThenewVanHoolExquiCity24m
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

44. The 1st Phase
43
Customer’sinformation
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

45. The 1st Phase
44Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Customer’sinformation

46. The 1st Phase
45Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Evaluation:
CSSoftheNewBusNetwork

47. The 2nd Phase
46Barcelona’s New Bus Network
The3H+2Vroutesofthe2ndPhase

48. The 2nd Phase
47Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Global1stand2ndPhase

49. The 2nd Phase
48Barcelona’s New Bus Network
H8
Route H8: Camp Nou
– La Maquinista
• Route of reference: 15
• Length: 25.7 km
• Fleet: articulated buses

50. 49Barcelona’s New Bus Network
H10
The 2nd Phase
Route H10: Badal – Olímpic
de Badalona
• Routes of reference: 43 & 44
• Length: 26.3 km
• Fleet: articulated buses

51. The 2nd Phase
50Barcelona’s New Bus Network
H16
Route H16: Paral·lel - Fòrum • Routes of reference: 14, 36 & 41
• Length: 14.3 km
• Fleet: standard buses

52. The 2nd Phase
51Barcelona’s New Bus Network

53. The 2nd Phase
52Barcelona’s New Bus Network
V3
Route V3: Z. Franca –
Can Caralleu
• Route of reference: 72
• Length: 17.3 km
• Fleet: articulated buses

54. The 2nd Phase
53Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Route V17: Port Vell - Carmel
V17
• Route of reference: 28
• Length: 17.4 km
• Fleet: standard buses

55. The 2nd Phase
54Barcelona’s New Bus Network

56. The 2nd Phase
55Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Alfons X
Interchange
Area
DesignofanInterchangeArea

57. The 2nd Phase
56Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Alfons X
Interchange
Area
SpecificsignpostingattheInterchangeArea

58. The 2nd Phase
57Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Customer’sinformation
Information guide at a transfer area

59. The 2nd Phase
58Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Customer’sinformation
Static information:
Leaflet of route H8

60. The 2nd Phase
59Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Customer’sinformation
Static information: notice of upcoming changes on affected routes

61. The 2nd Phase
60Barcelona’s New Bus Network
EvolutionofRidership

62. The 2nd Phase
61Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Evaluation:
CSSoftheNewBusNetwork

63. The 3rd Phase
62Barcelona’s New Bus Network
The2H+2Vroutesofthe3rdPhase

64. The 3rd Phase
63Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Global1st,2nd&3rdPhases

65. The 3rd Phase
64Barcelona’s New Bus Network
• Routes of reference: 16 & 17
• Length: 20.4 km
• Fleet: articulated buses
V15
Route V15:
Barceloneta – Vall
d’Hebron

66. The 3rd Phase
65Barcelona’s New Bus Network
• Route of reference: 71
• Length: 22.1 km
• Fleet: standard buses
V27
Route V27: Pg. Marítim –
Canyelles

67. The 3rd Phase
66Barcelona’s New Bus Network
• Routes of reference: H16 & 141
• Length: 19.4 km
• Fleet: standard buses
H14
Route H14: Paral·lel –
Sant Adrià

68. The 3rd Phase
67Barcelona’s New Bus Network
• Routes of reference: 9, 41 & 141
• Length: 24.2 km
• Fleet: articulated buses
H16
Route H16: Pg. Z. Franca –
Fòrum

69. The 3rd Phase
68Barcelona’s New Bus Network
EvolutionofRidership

70. The 3rd Phase
69Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Tactile screens, with access to diverse App, Wi-Fi, RTI, Static info; double (8m) & single (4m)
The smart shelters

71. The 3rd Phase
70Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Customer’sinformation

72. The 3rd Phase
71Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Customer’sinformation

73. The 3rd Phase
72Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Customer’sinformation

74. The 3rd Phase
73Barcelona’s New Bus Network
Evaluation:
CSSoftheNewBusNetwork

75. Final Comments & Some Figures
74
• Background
• The Goals
• The New Bus Network
• The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
• The Assessment of the Model
• The Interchangers
• Implementing First Phases: 1, 2 & 3
• Final Comments & Some Figures
• Next Steps
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

76. Final Comments & Some Figures
75Barcelona’s New Bus Network
• Bus services:
• 13/28 HLS routes already implanted
• 2 new conventional routes created
• 15 restructured routes
• 16 conventional routes cancelled
• Buses of new routes are more frequent and run from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
with their better headways (rush hour HWs)
• Ridership:
• An average of 225,000 trips/weekday (≈35% of the over all network)
• Horizontal routes: more than 20,000 trips/weekday
• Vertical routes: from 12,000 to 18,000 trips/weekday
• New signposting for the Interchange areas

77. Final Comments & Some Figures
76Barcelona’s New Bus Network
• Bus priority:
• Signal priority:
• Macro (green wave based)
• Micro (extension of green)
• About 400 bus stop improvements:
• New double bus stops
• RTI panels at main bus stops (including interchange areas)
• Enhanced poles with RTI
• Smart shelters
• 20% increase of length of bus lanes: currently more than 150 km in
Barcelona
• More info: https://www.novaxarxabus.bcn.cat

78. Next Steps
77
• Background
• The Goals
• The New Bus Network
• The Orthogonal & Diagonal Routes
• The Assessment of the Model
• The Interchangers
• Implementing First Phases: 1, 2 & 3
• Final Comments & Some Figures
• Next Steps
Barcelona’s New Bus Network

79. Next Steps
78Barcelona’s New Bus Network
PhaseIV

80. Next Steps
79Barcelona’s New Bus Network
TheNewBusNetworkafter
implementingPhase4

81. Thank you
jmension@tmb.cat