When considering how transit in Norfolk County might change in the future, there are some specific service principles that can lead to different network or service designs. Each service network design can meet different needs for riders and can potentially include on-demand and fixed route options. The principles are frequency and coverage, that impact network design, and span, which impacts service design.
- Frequency: Measures how often buses arrive at stops. Higher frequency means shorter wait times, with buses arriving more frequently. This principle impacts network design.
Figure 1. These fixed routes are shorter and more direct allowing for a more frequent service. It does not cover as large an area.
Coverage: Measures the extent of the area served by the transit system. Greater coverage means more neighborhoods and areas are accessible to transit. This principle impacts network design. For comparison, the current Ride Norfolk service focuses on maximizing coverage by operating on-demand services in most areas across Norfolk County, with only one fixed route: the Brantford Route.
Figure 2. This fixed route covers more area with a longer and winding route. It would not be as frequent.
Span: Measures the total hours of operation of the transit service. A longer span means the service is available for more hours, including mornings, evenings and weekends. This principle impacts service design.
Figure 3. You can have service earlier in the day, later into the evening, and on weekends.
