Time control point strategy coupled with transfer coordination in bus schedule design

A schedule consisting of an appropriate arrival time at each time control point can ensure reliable transport services. This paper develops a novel time control point strategy coupled with transfer coordination for solving a multi‐objective schedule design problem to improve schedule adherence and reduce intermodal transfer disutility. The problem is formulated using a robust mixed‐integer nonlinear programming model. The mixed‐integer nonlinear programming model is equivalently transformed into a robust mixed‐integer linear programming model, which is then approximated by a deterministic mixed‐integer linear programming model through Monte Carlo simulation. Thus, the optimal scheduled arrival time at each time control point can be precisely obtained using cplex . Numerical experiments based on three bus lines and the mass rapid transit system in Singapore are presented, and the results show that the schedule determined using the developed model is able to provide not only reliable bus service but also a smooth transfer experience for passengers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.