Valuation of Bus Characteristics in Urban Area: Al-Najaf as a Case Study

Abd, Ibtihal Salim; Al-Jameel, Hamid Athab · 2024 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1051/bioconf/20249700068

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Summary

This study addresses the critical need for improved public transportation in Al-Najaf, Iraq, driven by rapid population growth, increased vehicle ownership, and unplanned urban expansion. These factors have led to severe traffic congestion, extended travel times, and public dissatisfaction with existing transport options. The research aims to evaluate the current performance of public transport in Al-Najaf and propose a standardized bus line system as a sustainable alternative. The authors assess the existing network against international standards, focusing on key performance indicators such as traffic congestion, travel time, sustainability, and reliability. The methodology involves a comprehensive review of public transportation modes, specifically analyzing bus characteristics including capacity, types (conventional vs. Bus Rapid Transit), lane configurations, and stop designs. The study utilizes traffic flow data and traffic mix statistics from urban roads in Al-Najaf to diagnose network defects. It also incorporates a literature review to establish benchmarks for sustainability, reliability, and congestion management, referencing global studies on bus bunching, dwell times, and infrastructure efficiency. The analysis contrasts the theoretical benefits of structured bus systems with the empirical reality of Al-Najaf’s current transport infrastructure. The findings reveal significant deficiencies in Al-Najaf’s public transport sector. Traffic flow rates indicate high congestion, reaching 6,228 vehicles per hour on Karbala-Najaf Street, which correlates with increased journey times; for instance, travel time on the 8.5 km Kufa-Najaf Street increased by 30 minutes. The current public transport system is dominated by small buses and minibuses, accounting for only 0.8% and 10% of transport vehicles, respectively. These routes fail to cover the entire city or meet actual passenger needs. Furthermore, the system lacks management policies, fixed schedules, and considerations for passenger comfort, resulting in a significantly poor service quality. The study highlights that the absence of dedicated bus lanes, efficient fare collection, and reliable scheduling exacerbates these issues. The significance of this research lies in its identification of the urgent need for a structured, policy-driven public transport system in Al-Najaf. By demonstrating the inadequacy of the current ad-hoc bus network, the paper advocates for the implementation of international standards, such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) features, to enhance sustainability and reliability. The study concludes that improving bus service through dedicated lanes, optimized stop spacing, and reliable scheduling can reduce traffic congestion, lower pollution, and provide a competitive alternative to private vehicle use. This work provides a foundational assessment for urban planners aiming to integrate sustainable transport solutions in rapidly growing religious and economic hubs in Iraq.

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