Abstract

This chapter provides the overall framework for an understanding of the role that smartcard data can play in public transport research, particularly around the planning of public transport networks and services. This sets the context for Chapters 34–39, which showcase the various uses of smartcard data for public transport planning, ranging from the design of the transport network with strategic objectives in mind, to the (re-)design of service timetables to achieve tactical goals, to operational applications with specific implications for daily operations of transport services.