Optimization of headway and bus stop spacing for low demand bus routes

We propose a methodology for optimization of service headway and stop spacing along a low-demand bus route that minimizes operator and user costs. This study develops analytical cost models that are representative of low-demand routes by using negative binomial distribution for passenger demand for...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inTransportation planning and technology Vol. 46; no. 8; pp. 1024 - 1049
Main Authors Mishra, Sushreeta, Mehran, Babak, Sahu, Prasanta K.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Abingdon Routledge 17.11.2023
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects
Binomial distribution
Boarding
Bus stops
Buses (vehicles)
Cost analysis
Evolutionary algorithms
headway
Headways
low demand
NSGA-II
operator cost
Optimization
Passengers
Statistical analysis
Stop spacing
Travel demand
user cost
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Summary:We propose a methodology for optimization of service headway and stop spacing along a low-demand bus route that minimizes operator and user costs. This study develops analytical cost models that are representative of low-demand routes by using negative binomial distribution for passenger demand for boarding and alighting pattern to estimate the probability of stopping and both random and planned arrival of passengers are considered to estimate the waiting time. Pareto optimal solutions obtained using multi-objective evolutionary algorithm, NSGA-II indicate that optimal values of headway and stop spacing are underestimated if optimized based on assumptions typical of high-demand routes which is passenger demand for boarding and alighting at bus stops randomly following a Poisson process. With the aid of the study methodology, transit planners will be able to improve the service utilization and passenger accessibility along an under-performing low demand routes by recommending minimal modifications to the existing route and bus schedule.
ISSN:0308-1060
1029-0354
DOI:10.1080/03081060.2023.2231429