The Multi-Type Demands Oriented Framework for Flex-Route Transit Design

Abstract

Flex-route transit is regarded as the feasible solution to provide flexible service for various demands. To improve the service of flex-route transit, this paper proposes a design framework with the input of multi-type demands. Firstly, according to the multi-feature-based classification method, static stations and dynamic stations are divided by hierarchical clustering algorithm based on historical demands. Secondly, in the two-stage planning method, an offline plan is generated by multi-route design model and route-design-oriented genetic algorithm based on the classified stations and the flexible combination of reserved demands and regular travel patterns. Then, an online plan is adjusted by route modification model and greedy algorithm based on the offline plan and real-time demands. Numerical experiments demonstrate the applicability of flex-route transit in the realistic road network and show that flex-route transit can transport demands more effectively and save nearly 40% of cost compared with traditional transit.