A Review of the Redesign of Public Bus Network Routes in Iraqi Cities: A Framework Driven by Theory with a Case Study of a Mid-Size City

This review paper lays the theoretical foundations for redesigning public bus route networks in mid-sized Iraqi cities, with the Mid-Size City case serving as a near-future exemplification. We integrate TRNDP decision/constraint/objective structures with replicable, GTFS-based diagnostics – L-space, P-space, and route-space – to interpret transfer exposure, redundancy, and corridor coherence. Compact performance components – including expected waiting time, dwell time, commercial speed, cycle time, capacity, and accessibility – provide a concise KPI package suitable for door-to-door assessment and equity declaration. We propose that frequency-first trunks, a rational stop policy, conditional TSP, and proof-ofpayment/all-door boarding constitute a practical mix for conventional buses under budget and ROW constraints. A GTFS-native pipeline produces auditable scenario packs, including a baseline, a limited-stop route, a trunk-feeder network with timed transfers, and frequency optimization under a fleet cap, along with standardized KPIs. This sets the foundation for an in-person test on Mid-Size City’s Streets 40 and 60. We have decided to make Mid-Size City our proof-of-concept application domain based on two broad categories of consideration.