Optimal bus service patterns and frequencies considering transfer demand elasticity with genetic algorithm

This paper attempts to optimize bus service patterns (i.e., all-stop, short-turn, and express) and frequencies which minimize total cost, considering transfer demand elasticity. A mathematical model is developed based on the objective total cost for a generalized bus route, which is optimized subject to a set of constraints ensuring sufficient capacity, an operable bus fleet, and service frequency conservation. To optimize the integrated service of a bus route with many stops, which is a combinatorial optimization problem, a genetic algorithm is developed and applied to search for the solution. A case study, based on a real-world bus route in New Jersey, is conducted to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the developed model and the solution algorithm. Results show that the proposed methodology is fairly efficient, and the optimized bus service significantly reduces total cost.     

A simulation model for gate operations in multi-purpose cargo terminals

ABSTRACT

A multi-purpose cargo terminal in a seaport contains necessary infrastructure to handle different types of cargo, such as container, dry bulk, general bulk, and Ro-Ro. Since such terminals generally have dedicated areas and equipment for different types of cargo, berth, and yard operations for each type of cargo can be considered separate. On the other hand, trucks that carry all types of cargo use the same gate structure to enter and leave the terminal. Therefore, a method to superimpose the traffic that is caused by different types of cargo is needed for the planning of gate investments and operations. Consequently, this paper has developed a simulation model for a multi-purpose terminal to estimate the gate traffic and determine the necessary gate infrastructure, so that it can be used as a decision support tool for terminal planners and operational managers.     

政策制定中交通弱势群体受抑制需求分析方法

在交通弱势群体受抑制需求可被计算、并将其加入现有出行需求的前提下,提出一种预估交通供需的方法。该方法的潜在假设是交通弱势群体的出行条件和普通群体相同,即所谓的受抑制需求＂全部释放＂。在利用＂四阶段＂法为交通弱势群体建模的过程中,分析了交通弱势群体的受抑制需求及其与普通群体间的平等问题,同时详尽阐述了最易受伤害的交通弱势群体（如老年人和残疾人）的特殊需求,并确定其在各方面面临的困难。最后,利用软件模拟分析得出的结论是：针对交通弱势群体全部释放的受抑制需求（出行总量增加5%）,政策制定者须为面临一定的财政负担做好准备,同时做好协调工作,达到既减少运营成本又满足交通弱势群体出行需求的目标。     

A suppressed demand analysis method of the transportation disadvantaged in policy making

Abstract

This paper proposes a method for estimating transportation supply requirements when the suppressed demand of the transportation disadvantaged (TD) can be calculated and added to existing demand for travel. The underlying assumption is that the travel conditions of these TD groups must be equal to the ‘conventional’ demand, known as ‘full release’. Utilising the modelling approach for TD, suppressed demand analysis, diagnosis of difficulties and equity between conventional and disadvantaged groups were realised, while elaborating special cases for the most vulnerable TD groups (such as elderly and disabled persons) and simultaneously identifying areas of difficulty. From the early virtual results, it is concluded that, for the full release of suppressed trips (only a 5% increase), policy makers must be ready to face some financial burdens, requiring coordination of effort to both standardise these TD groups and reduce the costs incurred by operators.     

Integrated transit services for minimum cost operation considering heterogeneous demand

Abstract

In large metropolitan areas, public transit is a major mode choice of commuters for their daily travel, which has an important role in relieving congestion on transportation corridors. The purpose of this study is to develop a model which optimizes service patterns (SPs) and frequencies that yield minimum cost transit operation. Considering a general transit route with given stops and origin-destination demand, the proposed model consists of an objective total cost function and a set of constraints to ensure frequency conservation and sufficient capacity subject to operable fleet size. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed model, in which the demand and facility data of a rail transit route were given. Results show that the proposed model can be applied to optimize integrated SPs and headways that significantly reduce the total cost, while the resulting performance indicators are generated.