Base period

{{Short description|Economic measurement}}In economics, a base period or reference period is a point in time used as a reference point for comparison with other periods.{{cite web|url=http://www.bls.gov/bls/glossary.htm|title=BLS Information |date=February 28, 2008|work=Glossary|publisher=U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Division of Information Services |accessdate=2009-05-05| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090506220213/http://www.bls.gov/bls/glossary.htm| archivedate= 6 May 2009 | url-status= live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/baseperiod.asp|title=Base Period|publisher=Investopedia|accessdate=2009-05-05}} It is generally used as a benchmark for measuring financial or economic data.{{cite web|url=http://www.investorwords.com/429/base_period.html|title=base period |publisher=investorwords.com|accessdate=2009-05-05}} Base periods typically provide a point of reference for economic studies, consumer demand, and unemployment benefit claims.

In public transport scheduling, the base period is the period of reduced service on weekdays that generally exists between the morning and afternoon rush hours.