TMB presents model to improve bus speed in Barcelona

The new tool analyzes route efficiency and identifies key points to optimize the urban bus service.

Generic image of a bus wheel in an urban environment.
AI

Generic image of a bus wheel in an urban environment.

Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) presented a new analysis methodology for commercial bus speed during the first day of the Tomorrow Mobility Congress (TMWC). This new model allows for diagnosing the efficiency of different routes and identifying priority actions to improve the bus network's speed.

Commercial bus speed is a key challenge for large cities, directly impacting operator efficiency, resource optimization, and user satisfaction. European commercial speeds range from Paris's 11 km/h to Amsterdam's 20 km/h, influenced by urban density. Therefore, rigorous tools are essential to pinpoint critical segments and stops, determine penalizing factors, and implement improvement measures.
TMB's proposed methodology focuses on two key indicators: inter-stop speed (time between consecutive stops) and dwell time (time the vehicle remains stopped for passenger boarding and alighting). The model establishes reference values and identifies segments and stops with significant deviations for targeted improvements.
Results are grouped by analysis units with the greatest time-saving potential. Following a diagnosis and prioritization phase, these areas will be candidates for specific improvement measures, such as traffic light regulation, stop management, road configuration, or service operations.
The methodology also includes a post-implementation evaluation phase to quantify actual time savings. This enables a continuous monitoring and analysis process, aiming for a permanent network improvement model. The goal is to provide a transparent, repeatable, and data-driven tool for decision-making, maximizing investment effectiveness and advancing towards more competitive, reliable, and attractive public transport.
Based on information from the official source: Ajuntament de Barcelona - Sala de premsa (03/11/2026)