DOI: https://doi.org/10.32515/2664-262X.2025.12(43).2.331-340
Analysis of Strategies for Developing Urban Route Networks
About the Authors
Serhii Sakhno, Post-Graduate Student, Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University, Kharkiv, Ukraine, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7874-3376, e-mail: sahno.avcentr@gmail.com
Yevhen Liubyi, Associate Professor, PhD in Engineering, Head of Transport Systems and Logistics Department, Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University, Kharkiv, Ukraine, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0681-0920, e-mail: lion_khadi@ukr.net
Oleksandr Kolii, PhD in Engineering, Associate Professor of Transport Systems and Logistics Department, Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University, Kharkiv, Ukraine, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5576-3932, e-mail: koliioleksandr@gmail.com
Abstract
The article explores strategies for designing urban route networks with a focus on ensuring efficient, sustainable, and adaptive public transportation systems. The analysis is grounded in a comparative approach that examines the current practices in Ukrainian cities alongside leading international experiences. The paper outlines key principles of urban route network planning, including demand orientation, system coherence, flexibility, and rationality. Various network configurations – such as radial-ring, corridor-based, grid, and hybrid models – are reviewed, along with core efficiency indicators such as accessibility, service quality, financial viability, and environmental performance.
The route networks of Kyiv and Lviv are analyzed as case studies representing different spatial structures and transport planning challenges. Kyiv features a radial-ring model with extensive use of metro and private minibuses, while Lviv emphasizes electric transport and compactness. Despite relatively high network coverage in both cities, issues such as overlapping routes, limited integration across transport modes, and insufficient prioritization of public transit persist. These cases are contrasted with best practices from cities like Zurich, Copenhagen, Dijon, Barcelona, Curitiba, Rome, and Cairo, where route networks are developed through strategic, centralized planning, supported by digital modelling tools, big data analytics, and multimodal coordination.
The article concludes that urban transit planning in Ukraine remains largely reactive and fragmented, constrained by limited funding, outdated infrastructure, weak institutional capacity, and minimal use of data- driven tools. In contrast, international models demonstrate the benefits of hierarchical networks, integrated systems, and adaptive management based on performance metrics and mobility demand.
Future research should focus on implementing AI and machine learning for demand prediction and route optimization, integrating shared mobility modes (bikes, scooters, carsharing), analyzing behavioral patterns in passenger movement, and developing real-time adaptive networks capable of responding to dynamic urban conditions.
Keywords
public transport, route network, passenger transport, transport system
Analysis of Strategies for Developing Urban Route Networks
About the Authors
Serhii Sakhno, Post-Graduate Student, Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University, Kharkiv, Ukraine, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7874-3376, e-mail: sahno.avcentr@gmail.com
Yevhen Liubyi, Associate Professor, PhD in Engineering, Head of Transport Systems and Logistics Department, Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University, Kharkiv, Ukraine, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0681-0920, e-mail: lion_khadi@ukr.net
Oleksandr Kolii, PhD in Engineering, Associate Professor of Transport Systems and Logistics Department, Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University, Kharkiv, Ukraine, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5576-3932, e-mail: koliioleksandr@gmail.com
Abstract
Keywords
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Copyright (©) 2025, Serhii Sakhno, Yevhen Liubyi, Oleksandr Kolii