Unit cost is reduced by long stage length but increased by high stage density. A mixture of long and short stages seems to be advantageous. Network characteristics determine the technology, which in turn determines unit cost. Fleet standardisation has little effect.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Sarndal et al. (1975) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: