A comfort index for public transportation: Case study of Montreal

This research proposes a method to create an objective comfort index for public transportation and suggests the use of low cost technology to acquire the required data. A case study of Montreal showcase the approach for two key indicators: vehicle's vibrations, and noise levels. Cross comparisons to London (U.K.) and Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) were used to characterize the degree of comfort measured in Montreal's mass transportation system. It was found that the automobile is the most comfortable mode, explaining its popularity. The data showed that, the number of stops is the most important factor affecting total vibration levels, and hence the comfort of buses and trains. Noise was found to be linked to vehicle's vibrations. Newer metro cars in London and Dominican Republic showed better comfort levels, suburban trains in Montreal performed better and close to their counterparts in the United Kingdom. Express bus line was more comfortable than the local bus, performing better in the level of vibrations and noise.