Mathematical Modeling of Queuing Systems
in Public Transport
With Real-World Examples
Chapter 1: Introduction
Public transport queuing happens when passengers arrive faster than service (bus/metro) can take
them. Queues form at bus stops, metro platforms, and ticket counters.
Figure: Illustration for Introduction
Chapter 2: Queue Theory Basics
Arrival rate (λ): passengers per minute.
Service rate (µ): passengers served per minute.
Example: If 30 passengers arrive per 10 minutes, λ = 3/min.
Figure: Illustration for Queue Theory Basics
Chapter 3: M/M/1 Queue Model
Example: A bus stop where one bus arrives every 5 minutes (µ = 0.2 buses/min), and 0.15
passengers/min arrive.
Utilization ρ = λ/µ = 0.75.
Figure: Illustration for M/M/1 Queue Model
Chapter 4: M/M/c Multi-Server System
Example: Metro station with 3 trains every 10 min.
c = 3, µ = 0.3/min.
If λ = 0.6/min, ρ = λ/(cµ) = 0.6/(0.9) = 0.66.
Figure: Illustration for M/M/c Multi-Server System
Chapter 5: Little’s Law
L = λW.
Example: If average waiting time is 4 minutes and λ = 2 passengers/min:
L = 2 × 4 = 8 passengers in system.
Figure: Illustration for Little’s Law
Chapter 6: Bus Stop Case Study
Case Example:
• λ = 12 passengers/min.
• Bus capacity = 60 passengers.
• One bus every 5 minutes (µ = 12/min).
Result: ρ = λ/µ = 1 → overload.
Figure: Illustration for Bus Stop Case Study
Chapter 7: Metro Platform Case Study
Example: Delhi Metro peak hour
• λ = 90 passengers/min.
• Train every 2 min, capacity = 200 → µ = 100/min.
ρ = 0.9 → heavy crowding but stable.
Figure: Illustration for Metro Platform Case Study