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 The following excerpt was taken from the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Report 30, page 21. Intermediate time points are locations along the route, between the terminals, that indicate when the vehicle will be there. The term "node" is commonly used in computerized scheduling systems to denote a time point. Generally speaking, on public timetables, these intermediate time points, or nodes, are timed to be between 6 and 10 minutes apart. In theory, when intermediate time points are too close together, there is a greater risk that the operator may arrive early and have to wait or "dwell" at that point to stay on schedule, causing passengers to become impatient. When time points are more than 10 minutes apart, some agencies believe that customers are more likely to be confused about when a vehicle will arrive at a particular stop, given the differences in individual operator driving habits. Where are intermediate time points typically located? Physical location considerations also affect the selection of intermediate time points. Major intersections that are widely recognized and possess good pedestrian amenities like sidewalks and actuated traffic signals make good time points. It is a good idea to locate intermediate time points at major trip generator locations such as shopping centers, hospitals, and government buildings. Time points are also useful at locations where time is critical, such as major employment centers and intersecting bus routes or rail centers.
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