Optimal public transport networks for a general urban structure

Using a quite general parametric description of an urban setting in terms of its network, centers structure and demand pattern, we find the optimal spatial arrangement of transit lines out of four basic strategic competing options: direct, exclusive, hub-and-spoke and feeder-trunk. We identify clearly the relation between the characteristics of both the urban setting (mostly monocentric, polycentric or dispersed) and the users (transfer penalty, patronage) with the line structure that shows the best response. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.