Robustness assessment of public bus transit system with a response-integrated approach for a resilient public transport system in Hong Kong

Node percolation in the transportation domain refers to a phase transition process of network connectivity, which is quantified through robustness assessments. A robust network, in this case, the public bus transit, exhibits graceful degradation as progressive infrastructure failures cascade across the system. While most research on robustness has focused on the system topology, there is a need to evaluate the role of post-disruption measures on robustness. This research assesses post-disruption response measures, such as rerouting, separating the operation of fractured routes, and temporarily changing roadway direction. We find that the dependent network model of the public bus transit, which includes road infrastructure from Hong Kong, exhibits increasing vulnerability to infrastructure failures, and response measures are effective until half of the infrastructure nodes are disrupted. Finally, we provide prescriptive insights into the design of transportation contingency plans by identifying the disruption levels for implementing each response measure.

Automated summary

This research evaluates node percolation in the transportation domain, specifically in the public bus transit system, and assesses the impact of post-disruption response measures on network robustness. The study finds that the dependent network model of public bus transit becomes increasingly vulnerable to infrastructure failures, but response measures are effective up to a certain level of disruption. Furthermore, the research provides prescriptive insights into the design of transportation contingency plans.