An Optimization Method of Passenger Assignment for Customized Bus

Yang Cao,Jian Wang

doi:10.1155/2017/7914753

Abstract

This study proposes an optimization method of passenger assignment on customized buses (CB). Our proposed method guarantees benefits to passengers by balancing the elements of travel time, waiting time, delay, and economic cost. The optimization problem was solved using a Branch and Bound (B&B) algorithm based on the shortest path for the selected stations. A simulation-based evaluation of the proposed optimization method was conducted. We find that a CB service can save 38.33% in average travel time, 38.33% in average waiting time, and 27.78% in delay penalties, all at an acceptable ticket price. The variations are caused by different degrees of busload. A detailed investigation revealed that a CB can significantly reduce travel time, waiting time, and delays, with the degree of benefits showing a decreasing trend with corresponding increases in busload. This finding indicates that CBs with smaller busloads can more flexibly transport passengers and provide a greater level of benefits. At the same time, a small busload strategy can be implemented more easily and in the near future on a test basis in urban China areas.

Highlights

In recent years, one emerging mode of demand-responsive transport systems (namely, the customized bus (CB)) has been developed to provide advanced, convenient, and comfortable service to commuters
We find that a customized buses (CB) service can save 38.33% in average travel time, 38.33% in average waiting time, and 27.78% in delay penalties, all at an acceptable ticket price
The passengers’ demand is obtained in advance, and the route of CB system is preset according to the shortest path selecting algorithm; we only focus on the passenger assignment and its impact on the construction cost

Summary

Introduction

One emerging mode of demand-responsive transport systems (namely, the customized bus (CB)) has been developed to provide advanced, convenient, and comfortable service to commuters. Online information platforms (e.g., Internet and databases) can classify passengers with similar travel demands and arrange specific CB services for the different passenger classifications. CBs are found to be more human-friendly, more comfortable, and more reliable than traditional bus transport systems. CB services have the ability to attract more private car owners to using public transport systems. Several successful CB operations are being run in 22 Chinese cities. A further eight cities have CB services under construction. CB is regarded as a successful mode of transport, one which can improve road use efficiency, reduce urban congestion, and improve traffic safety

Methods

Results

Conclusion