Abstract
This paper presents an optimisation model for designing limited-stop lines for a branching bus network composed of several feeder lines and a trunk line. On the basis of the different demand patterns in the feeder lines and the trunk line, passenger assignment in the bus route is considered. The optimisation model is used to calculate the total cost of a transit system in which limited-stop services are implemented on bus routes. The total cost includes the cost of passenger waiting time and in-vehicle time, as well as the operator cost for each bus route. With better service planning of limited-stop lines, based on the demand behaviour in high-demand corridors, the total cost can be reduced (compared with the normal service costs of stopping all buses at all stops). A genetic algorithm is adopted to ascertain the optimal model. This algorithm can determine continuous and discrete optimisation variables: the optimal bus frequencies and the best pattern of limited-stop use for each bus route. Finally, a numerical example is optimised. The results show that a limited-stop service for branching corridors can reduce the total cost of the transit system.
Highlights
In public transit systems with high demand levels due to the fluctuating demand patterns and an unbalanced distribution of passengers along the corridor, the use of a normal all-stop service is not adequate and will not guarantee efficient operation
This paper presents an optimisation model for designing limited-stop lines for a branching bus network composed of several feeder lines and a trunk line
The results show that a limited-stop service for branching corridors can reduce the total cost of the transit system
Summary
In public transit systems with high demand levels due to the fluctuating demand patterns and an unbalanced distribution of passengers along the corridor, the use of a normal all-stop service is not adequate and will not guarantee efficient operation. By adjusting the frequency of services and by establishing limited stops, these limited-stop services appear to be an efficient alternative operational strategy which could improve the service level of a transit system. By skipping a subset of stops, the limited-stop services can reduce passenger travel time and shorten the running time of buses. This will enable the transit operator to utilise fewer vehicles while still meeting the same demand along the corridor. Designing limited-stop services as an optimisation strategy for a bus line or corridor has been studied by a number of authors in an attempt to select the appropriate limited stops and determine the bus frequencies. The experience in the city of Chimkent shows that passenger travel time and gasoline consumption both decrease considerably when using a limited-stop service, compared with the equivalent all-stop services. Silverman (1998) analysed the
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