Optimal bus service design with limited stop services in a travel corridor

Abstract

This paper seeks to answer questions from the combined bus operator’s and users’ perspective on how to design limited stop service operation strategies when they are offered along with the normal bus services. The passengers’ service choice is determined by the common line calculation. The problem is formulated as a Mixed Integer Nonlinear Program (MINLP) with equilibrium constraints. Thereafter, a global optimal solution method applying various linearization and convexification techniques is proposed. Numerical studies are then performed to evaluate the model validity and solution efficiency followed by concluding remarks.