Measurement and evaluation
Peak demand
Demande de pointe
Peak demand is the highest level of demand observed or estimated within a defined location and time framework. For curb planning, the peak should specify activity and aggregation interval, because a short surge in passenger pick-up can be hidden inside an hourly average of otherwise moderate activity.
Understanding the term
Designing only for the single highest observation can leave capacity underused for long periods. Compare recurring peaks, exceptional events, and acceptable operating responses before choosing an allocation.
Every reported measure needs a geographic boundary, observation period, unit, and documented calculation method. State how missing data, temporary closures, and sessions crossing the observation boundary are treated. Use distributions or separate user categories where an average hides important differences. Compare consistent definitions across sites and periods, and distinguish an observed association from a demonstrated causal effect. The appropriate indicator follows the policy question rather than whichever field a monitoring system happens to provide.