On the uniqueness and duplication of bus routes in the urban transport infrastructure

This paper analyzes the problem of route duplication in urban transport systems. The Tobolsk bus network is studied using modern data analysis methods. An original methodology for assessing route uniqueness and duplication is developed based on a pairwise comparison of stop-to-stop sections. A Python software toolkit is developed using the Pandas library for automated data processing. New coefficients for calculating route uniqueness and duplication are proposed, allowing for a quantitative assessment of route network efficiency. The practical significance of the methodology for transport system optimization problems is substantiated. A high level of route duplication in the Tobolsk bus network is identified. The main patterns in the distribution of duplicate sections across the route network are established. Promising areas for further optimization of the city's transport system are identified.