Existing Data Systems 5
In this section, the major existing information systems used by Network Development
are briefly reviewed in order to further explain the context for assessing the potential
application of smart card data to bus network planning, with a focus on interchange, in
London. Table 2-1 summarizes general data needs for bus network planning and how each of
the existing data systems at Network Development serves those needs. A synopsis of the
contribution of each data system is provided in the remainder of this section, but it begins with
a discussion of the need for information on passenger demand because it is the key metric in
providing comprehensive service passenger demand and can be measured in various ways.
Moreover, passenger demand is most directly related to the exploration of the value of Oyster
smart card data to bus network planning that is presented in this thesis.