Comparative Performance Evaluation of Public Transportation Services in Pokhara Valley

This study conducts the performance evaluation of the public transportation system on the Fewa-Begnas route in Pokhara Valley. The performance evaluation of public transportation is conducted from three perspectives (Economic, operational performance of the vehicle, and passenger perception). Passenger perceptions are assessed based on a survey of 9 indicators. The results obtained from the questionnaire survey are analyzed by calculating the index values. Also, the operational performance of the vehicle is evaluated using 5 indicators (Journey time, Journey speed, Running time, Running speed, and transport system capacity index). Also, for evaluation from an economic perspective, the total cost per km that occurred to run a public bus and the total revenue generated per km are calculated.


Introduction
Public transportation, including buses, minibusses, and micros, is a common means of travel in Nepal, particularly in Pokhara, the country's largest city.The estimated population of Pokhara, Nepal in 2023 is 475,969.This represents a 3.97% annual change from the previous year [1].Pokhara is known for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and adventure activities.It also has a vibrant public transportation system with seven main providers: Pokhara Fewa Yatyat, Gandaki Taxi Bebahasi Public Limited, Pokhara Taxi Sewa Pvt.Ltd, Pokhara Yatyat, Mama Yatyat, Begnastal Pokhara Yatyat, and Prithiv Rajmarga bus Bebahasi Samati.An efficient public transportation system is required for urban areas in developing countries like Nepal to reduce the problems of degrading environment, traffic congestion, and poor level of service [2].However, the public transportation system in Pokhara faces challenges due to rapid urbanization and population growth.High travel time, overcrowding, lack of cleanliness, and inefficient operations have led to a preference for private vehicles.Further, the implementation of a new public transport system requires a huge amount of funds mainly for infrastructure, construction, and maintenance.Hence, before investing in transport, poor economic conditions, limitation of infrastructure facilities, and better utilization of existing infrastructure, there is a continued need to evaluate and compare the performance of public transport systems in urban areas [3].Nowadays, most providers have their method to know the performance of public transport systems.However, the performance evaluations by the providers do not necessarily reflect the user perspective and cannot be considered adequate [4].So, comparative performance evaluation of public transportation systems can be a significant method to evaluate the performance of public transportation.The performance evaluation of a public transport system is more effective if we consider the indicators that affect the public service providers and the users.Therefore, the performance evaluation of public buses is conducted from three perspectives: the economic perspective, the operational perspective of the vehicle, and the passenger's perception of the public vehicle.These three indicators serve as the key performance indicators (KPI) to evaluate the performance of a public bus.Evaluating these three KPIs involves employing 16 micro-performance indicators (KPIs).This study aims to compare the performance of public buses from two transport companies, Pokhara Yatyat, and Begnastal Pokhara Yatyat, operating along the route from Fewa Lake to Begnas Lake in Pokhara.This route is among the longest routes used by two public transportation service providers within the Pokhara Valley.117

Problem Statement and Objective of the Study
The Fewa-Begnas route, one of the longest in the Pokhara Valley, is a significant public transportation corridor.This route covers key areas of the Pokhara Valley, such as Prithiv Chowk, the International Airport, the industrial area, and Sisuwa, all of which see a high passenger flow.Some segments of this route are also operated by public vehicles that run outside the valley, making it one of the busiest routes in Pokhara.These factors lead to longer travel times and high delay times during the journey, resulting in increased inefficiency in the use of public buses.The lack of data about the cost and revenue generation of public buses hampers new investments in public transportation.The lack of data about passengers' perception of public transportation hinders to improvement of the performance of public buses.As a result, the unreliability of public transportation is on the rise, leading to a surge in private vehicle ownership.Evaluating passengers' perceptions of public transportation is crucial to understanding the current situation and identifying areas for improvement.This assessment not only provides insights into the existing state of public transportation but also aids in suggesting measures for enhancement.Therefore, there is a need for a performance evaluation of the public transportation system.This evaluation would consider factors such as travel time, delay time, passenger satisfaction, and financial viability, with the ultimate goal of improving the reliability and efficiency of public transportation in the region.

This study concludes the following two objectives:
• To evaluate the index value of micro (KPI).
• To compare the performance of public transportation from three perspectives: economic, passenger, and vehicle operation, using an index value for measurement.

Literature Review
Vaidya (2014) [5]   In Nepal, similar research has been conducted in Kathmandu for different types of public transportation.Also, in Pokhara, a study was done on two public transportation groups that go from Lamachaur to Chhorepatan.They looked at what passengers thought and how well the buses worked for Bindabisini Yatayat and Pokhara Yatayat.Studies about public transportation was done in Pokhara on the Lamachaur-Chhorepatan route considering passenger satisfaction and performance analysis of public transportation but the economic perspective of the study area is not explored.So, this research could fill in this gap by considering what both passengers and the operators think, as well as the economic aspects in this new route by looking at public buses of two different public transportation companies, Pokhara Yatayat and Begnastal Pokhara Yatayat, which run from Fewa to Begnas Lake.

Study Area
For this research, the road section from Fewa Lake to Begnas Lake was chosen.This section, which is 19.3 km long, runs through the northern part of Pokhara, covering major areas such as Mustang Chowk, Prithiv Chowk, Bus Park, Industrial Area, International Airport, Budi Bazar, Talchowk, and Sesuwa.This road section has a high demand for transportation due to its large catchment area of passengers.
The road section passes by both Fewa and Begnas lakes, which are major tourist attractions in Pokhara.
It also includes a segment of the Prithvi Highway and runs through the International Airport.As a result, a diverse range of passengers, from those traveling for recreation to those seeking entertainment, are expected to use this route.Given its importance in gauging user satisfaction levels among a mixed passenger group, and being the longest route in the Pokhara Valley operated by two transport service providers Pokhara Yatayat and Begnastal Pokhara Yatayat, this route section is selected for the study.
The methodology of the study involves a detailed process for the comparative evaluation of public transportation systems operating on a selected route.
This evaluation focuses on various key indicators to assess the effectiveness of public buses based on passenger perception, economic aspects, and operational performance.The first stage involves selecting the most appropriate indicators to measure the comparative performance of public transportation on the chosen route.The challenge lies in choosing indicators that align with the study's goals, are easy to understand and measure, are cost-effective in data collection, and can be obtained promptly.To address this, the study compiles a list of essential measurements by examining existing research papers and theses.Usually, the performance indicators that are used in Nepal for the study of public transportation are selected.Selected indicators are shown in Table 1.The identified performance indicators are categorized as follows: Comparative running time 3.

Identification of Key Indicators for Comparative Performance Evaluation
Comparative journey speed 4.
Comparative transport system capacity Comparative seat comfort 3.
Comparative comfort in travelling 4.
Comparative in vehicle cleanliness

Data Collection
The main source of data is a primary source.Questionnaires were prepared and asked of the intended groups.These are explained in detail in respective heads.

Data collection for the performance indicators from an Economic Perspective:
The operational cost of the vehicle is gathered through a questionnaire given to the head of the public transport service provider.At the same time, the revenue generation data is collected through a questionnaire given to the conductor.The revenue collection data is obtained from the conductor at the end of each journey.Over three days, eighteen sets of data are collected during the AM peak, off-peak, and PM peak periods.This data collection is done in both inbound and outbound directions from both public transportation service providers.

Data collection for the performance indicators from operational performance Perspective:
Data was collected through an onboard survey.A public vehicle was randomly selected and the same vehicle was used to travel the route.During the journey, the number of passengers getting on or off the bus, the delay time, the time elapsed between two stops, and the total time taken to cover the entire route were all recorded.The trips were made at different times in each direction.Thirty-six sets of data were collected from two bus service providers during the study, covering the morning peak (8 AM -11 AM), evening peak (3 PM-6 PM), and off-peak (12:00 PM-3:00 PM) periods.

Data collection for the performance indicators from the passenger's Perspective:
To understand people's perceptions of public transportation, data from 95 respondents were collected to assess satisfaction levels between two bus service providers.A structured questionnaire survey was conducted among passengers on the Fewa-Begnas Route.The questionnaire was distributed to passengers using public transportation services on this route.The required no. of respondents required for the questionnaire survey is calculated by calculating the sample size.

Evaluation of micro-Key Performance Indicators
This stage focuses on developing various essential indices to evaluate the condition of the identified key performance indicators.These indices are designed to facilitate the comparative performance assessment of alternative public transport systems while minimizing the data required.The indices are defined as follows: It is the ratio of the average cost per k m of public transportation system 2 (AC T2) to the average cost per km of publi c transportation system 1 (ACT1).COCI = ACT2/ACT1 Comparative revenue from vehicle inde x (CREI) It is the ratio of the average revenue pe r km of public transportation system 1 (ART1) to the average revenue per km of public transportation system 2 (ART 2).

Comparative journey time index (CJTI)
It is the ratio of the journey time of pu blic transportation system 1 (AJT2) to t he average journey time of public transp ortation system 2 (AJT1).CREI = ART2/ART1 Comparative running time index (CRTI) It is the ratio of the running time of pu blic transportation system 1 (ARUT1) to the average running time of public tran sportation system 2 (ARUT2).CRTI = ARUT2/ARU1 Comparative journey spee d index (CJS I) It is the ratio of the average journey sp eed of public transportation system 1 (A JS1) to the average journey speed of pu blic transportation system 2 (AJS2).CJSI = AJS2/AJS1 Comparative running spee d index (CR SI) It is the ratio of the average running sp eed of public transportation system 1 (A RS1) to the average running speed of p ublic transportation system 2 (ARS2).CRSI = ARS2/ARS1 Comparative transport syst em capacity index (CTCI) It is the ratio of the transport system ca pacity index of transport system 1 (TSC I1) to the transport system capacity inde x of transport system 2 (TSCI2).

Data Analysis
This section of the study evaluates the relative performance of two transportation systems in Pokhara Valley from various perspectives: economic, operational, passenger perception, and service quality.Here is a summary of the key findings:   6).In other words, the total cost incurred while traveling per km is higher for Pokhara Yatayat than for Begnastal Pokhara Yatayat.

Comparative revenue from vehicle index (CREI)
It is the ratio of the average revenue per km of public transportation system 1 (ART1) to the average revenue per km of public transportation system 2 (ART2).CREI = ART2/ART1 For, revenue generation fare collection during the trip is listed with the help of vehicle staff, and for cost calculation, the total cost occurred is listed with the help of the operator.
So, Comparative revenue from vehicle index (CREI) = 0.92.This index value of 0.92 (which is less than 1) indicates, the total revenue generation while travelling per km is less for Pokhara Yatayat than for Begnastal Pokhara Yatayat.Table 12 shows the no of passengers that get access to each public transportation.From the table we get, Comparative transport system capacity index (CTCI) = 0.93 The index value 0.93 (<1) indicates that the number of passengers that use Pokhara Yatayat is less than that of no of passengers that use Begnastal Pokhara Yatayat.

Analysis and results of performance indicator from perspective
For this data analysis, data from people's perceptions is taken from a questionnaire survey.The Total no of respondents for the survey is 95.49 responded to Pokhara Yatyat and 45 responded for Begnastal Pokhara Yatyat.

Sample Size
To calculate the sample size Corchan equation (1963) with a 95% confidence level and precision of 10% is adopted.In the sampling method, the entire total population of passengers that travel during the 3 days of the survey is considered.
(For finite sample) Where, n = Size of infinite population z = Area of normal curve with value 1.96 for 95% confidence level.p = Estimated proportion of an attribute that is present in the population.(50%) q = 1-p N = Total population size of passenger e = the acceptable sampling error (10%) Taking the total population of study (N) = 1407 We have, no = 96.04And n = 90

Data analysis of comparative safety index (CSFI)
It is the table of safety ratings given by users during travel in a vehicle and waiting at a stop for alternate public transport System 1(SRT1) and safety ratings given by users during travel in a vehicle and waiting at a stop for alternate public transport System 2 (SRT2).

Data analysis for comparative seat comfort index (CSCI)
It is the table of ratings for seat comfort level given by users during travel in a vehicle and waiting at the stop for alternate public transport System 1(SCR1) and Seat comfort rating given by users during travel in a vehicle and waiting at the stop for alternate public transport System 2 (SCR2).From the table, we get, So, Comparative seat comfort index (CSCI) = 1.12The index value 1.12 (>1) indicates that passengers feel comfortable seats in Pokhara Yatayat than in Begnastal Pokhara Yatayat.

Data analysis for comparative comfort in travelling index (CCOI)
It is the table of comfort rating given by users during travel in vehicle and waiting at stop for alternate public transport System 1(CR1) and comfort rating given by users during travel in vehicle and waiting at stop for alternate public transport System 2 (CR2).

Data analysis for comparative staff behavior index (CSBI)
It is the table of the rating given by users to the behavior of staff of alternate public transport System 1(BSR1) and the rating given by users to the behavior of staff of alternate public transport System 2 (BSR2).

Data analysis of comparative in Female, Old, Child, Disable friendly index (CFFI) (COFI) (CCFI) (CDFI)
It is the table of ratings given by users to friendliness of alternate public transport System 1(FR1) and rating given by users to cleanliness of alternate public transport System 2 (FR2) about female, old, children, disable.

Data analysis for comparative vehicle cleanliness index (CVCI)
It is the table of ratings given by users to the cleanliness of alternate public transport System 1(CLR1) and rating given by users to the cleanliness of alternate public transport System 2 (CLR2).

Conclusion
In conclusion, the analysis of various performance indicators has provided valuable insights into the relative performance of two public transportation systems in Pokhara Valley: Pokhara Yatayat (System 1) and Begnastal Pokhara Yatayat (System 2).These indicators encompass economic, operational, passenger's perception aspects.

Economic Perspective
The comparative operational cost index (COCI) and comparative revenue from Vehicle Index (CREI) is less than one so, performance of Pokhara yatyat is inferior concerning begnastal Pokhara yatyat in term of revenue generation while the operational cost of Pokhara yatyat is higher than begnastal Pokhara yatyat along this route.

Operational Performance
From the index value we can see that the journey time, journey speed, running time and running speed of Pokhara yat yat is better than begnastal Pokhara yatyat while traveling in this route.While the number of passengers using the public bus is less for Pokhara yatyat than begnastal Pokhara yatayat.

Passenger's Perception
Various indices were analyzed from the passenger's perspective, including safety, seat comfort, overall comfort during travelling inside bus, staff behavior, and friendliness towards different passenger groups ie, female, old, child and disable.In all perspective passengers rated better for Pokhara yatyat than begnastal Pokhara yatyat along this route.In summary, Begnastal yatyat has better performance from economic perspective while Pokhara yatyat has better performance from operational perspective and passenger's perspective.

Recommendations:
Based on the analysis, here are the recommendations: Economic Improvement: Since Pokhara Yatayat (System 1) has higher operational costs and generates less revenue compared to Begnastal Pokhara Yatayat (System 2), it is recommended to review and optimize the operational strategies of Pokhara Yatayat to improve its economic performance.Operational Adjustments: Despite having better journey time, speed, and running time, Pokhara Yatayat has fewer passengers compared to Begnastal Pokhara Yatayat.It is suggested to investigate the reasons behind the lower passenger count and make necessary adjustments to enhance the operational performance.
Passenger Satisfaction: Pokhara Yatayat has received better ratings from passengers in terms of safety, comfort, staff behavior, and friendliness.It is advised to maintain high standards and possibly implement similar practices in Begnastal Pokhara Yatayat to improve passenger satisfaction.
In conclusion, each system has its strengths and areas for improvement.By learning from each other, both systems can enhance their performance and provide better service to the passengers.

Table 1 :
Reviews of important performance indicators used in Nepal [6]n et al. (2016)[4]evaluated the comparative performance of alternate public transport systems in Indian cities from a user perspective.The study proposed a simple and systematic methodology consisting of four stages and demonstrated its application Mishra et al. (2020)[6]assess the effectiveness of public transportation in Kathmandu, Nepal, using four key performance indicators (KPIs) and twentynine micro indicators.The study identifies areas for improvement such as passenger discomfort during peak hours, overcrowding, and staff misconduct.

Table 2 :
Performance indicator from an economic perspective

Table 5 :
Evaluation of comparative performance evaluation of public buses from economic, operational, and passenger

Table 7 :
List of details of the occurred costs

Table 9 :
Details of input data for revenue collection

Table 10 :
Data input for journey time and journey speed

Table 11 :
Data for running time and running speed Table 11 shows the average running time and the average running speed of each public transportation service provider.From the table we get, Comparative running time index (CRTI) =1.04 Comparative running speed index (CRSI) =1.04The index value for CRTI and CRSI (>1) indicates Pokhara Yatayat takes less time to reach to destination without considering delay and with higher running speed than Begnastal Pokhara Yatayat.

Table 12 :
Data for no of passengers traveling per day

Table 13 :
Data for passenger's ratings for Safety and Security

Table 14 :
Data for passenger's ratings for seat comfort

Table 15 :
Data for passenger's rating for comfort in travelling

Table 16 :
Data for passenger's ratings for staff behavior

Table 17 :
Data for passenger's ratings for female friendliness

Table 18 :
Data for passenger's ratings for old friendliness

Table 19 :
Data for passenger's ratings for child friendliness

Table 20 :
Data for passenger's ratings for Disable friendliness

Table 21 :
Data for passenger's rating for vehicle cleanliness

Table 22 :
Result of comparative performance of Pokhara Yatyat w.r.t Begnastal Pokhara Yatyat bus service