Driving Dynamics and Air Quality: Clustering Analysis of Particulate Matter Exposure in Urban Transit Buses
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Public transport serves as a cornerstone in fulfilling global transportation needs, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas where efficient bus transit systems are prevalent. Airborne particulate matter poses a significant concern for commuters in many Asian countries, attributable to factors like vehicle emissions, road dust, and traffic congestion. In addition to these factors, driving behaviour and vehicle configuration can contribute to an increase in the concentration of particulate matter within buses and at bus stops. The present study aimed to examine driving behaviour in diverse traffic conditions, evaluate in-vehicle particulate matter (PM) concentrations across various road segments, and simultaneously monitor commuters’ exposure levels. In this study, we utilize the k-means clustering algorithm to analyze the patterns associated with airborne PM exposure and real-world driving profiles. A total of 34,835 second-by-second speed trajectories and air quality observations were included in the cluster analysis, representing 4 study routes of distinct geometry in the million plus population city. The average PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 exposure concentrations inside buses were measured at 234.8, 96.9, and 55.3 µg/m 3 , respectively. Commuters are exposed to higher PM concentrations while idling in traffic and driving behind heavy-duty vehicles. On average on all four major study routes, Idle accounted for 27% of the duration, coasting for 7%, braking or decelerating for 12%, cruising or accelerating at low speed for 32%, at moderate speed for 13%, and at high speed for 9%. Consequently, these fluctuations influence the quantity of airborne particulates concentration produced in different urban settings. The algorithm effectively clustered the data, indicating an association between exposure and driving dynamics. The study emphasizes the strategic planning of bus operations and the importance of commuters diligently assessing the risks associated with exposure to airborne aerosol to address individual health factors.
Source: Transportation research procedia
Authors: Saket Ranjan, Shiva Nagendra SM
Institution: Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4410360989