A novel model and algorithm for designing an eco-oriented demand responsive transit (DRT) system

• Published in: Transportation research. Part E, Logistics and transportation review Vol. 157; p. 102556
• Main Authors: Li, Xin, Wang, Tianqi, Xu, Weihan, Li, Huaiyue, Yuan, Yun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2022
• Subjects: Demand responsive transit (DRT); Eco-routing; Hybrid heuristic algorithm; Velocity profile; Velocity profile; Eco-routing; Hybrid heuristic algorithm; Demand responsive transit (DRT)
• ISSN: 1366-5545; 1878-5794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tre.2021.102556

•A novel framework of introducing eco-routing strategy into DRT system is designed.•A mixed-integer program is developed to optimize energy efficiency of DRT service.•A customized DP-based hybrid heuristic algorithm is developed.•The proposed DRT system can significantly save fuel consumption and reduce emission. Since the flexibility and adaptability of demand responsive transit (DRT) give more potentials and spaces of embracing eco-routing strategy, this study develops a novel framework of embedding eco-routing technology into DRT service, in which module of vehicle dynamics and module of fuel consumption/emission are specifically integrated in response to varied traffic conditions and road types when designing of DRT system. To this end, a mix-integer model and the customized DP-based heuristic are proposed to determine eco-oriented DRT routes and schedules. A series of numerical cases based on realistic road networks are designed to unfold the comparison of the performance of eco-oriented DRT against the traditional one. The results demonstrate that introduction of eco-routing is able to significantly reduce the energy consumption and emissions by up to 37% in companying with a slight increase of total travel time and routing distance. The well-developed models and algorithm make the study is ready for real-world applications.