A comprehensive analysis of Geneva's tram line 18 and bus line 80 - Ben Fall
This summer I carried out research with the Lab for Human-Oriented Mobility Eco-System (HOMES) at EPFL, in collaboration with Geneva’s public transport operator (TPG). My project focused on diagnosing recurring slowdowns on two of the city’s most important transit lines: tramway 18 and bus 80.
Using detailed vehicle trajectory data, I identified where and when bottlenecks occur, investigated their causes from traffic congestion to overcrowding and developed recommendations to improve service reliability.
Public transport is at the heart of sustainable urban mobility. By tackling operational inefficiencies, this work contributes to making Geneva’s network more efficient, resilient, and attractive, encouraging more people to shift away from private cars. The findings aim to support practical improvements that reduce delays, cut emissions, and strengthen quality of life for residents and commuters alike.
Please don't be dismayed by the number of page. Most are simply due to the appendix, as I have included all my codes for reproducibility and lots of graphs and tables.
I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has made my Laidlaw journey thus far such a meaningful and transformative experience.
First, a huge thank you to Dan-Thi Nguyen and the entire team supporting Laidlaw at EPFL. You created an environment where curiosity thrives, collaboration is natural, and every scholar feels supported in reaching their full potential.
I am equally grateful to the Laidlaw Foundation, whose vision and generosity continue to empower students across the world. The opportunities you provide both for research and for leadership development make a lasting impact not only on individuals but also on the communities we hope to serve someday.
I also wish to thank my supervisors, Dr. Cloe Cortes Balcells and Prof. Kenan Zhang, for their patience, insight, and mentorship. Your guidance pushed me to think deeper, question more critically, and grow. Working with you has been a privilege!!
Thank you once again for your unwavering support and for making this journey possible.
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Congrats on completing such an impressive project! It’s great to see all your hard work come together in this report. What a meaningful contribution to improving sustainable mobility in Geneva!!