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Feeder bus service design under spatially heterogeneous demand

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  • Zhen, Li
  • Gu, Weihua

Abstract

In rapidly sprawling urban areas and booming intercity express rail networks, efficiently designed feeder bus systems are more essential than ever to transport passengers to and from trunk-line rail terminals. When the feeder service region is sufficiently large, the spatial heterogeneity in demand distribution must be considered. This paper develops continuum approximation models for optimizing a heterogeneous fixed-route feeder network in a rectangular service region next to a rail terminal. Our work enhances previous studies by: (i) optimizing heterogeneous stop spacings along with line spacings and headways; (ii) accounting for passenger boarding and alighting numbers on bus dwell times and patron transfer delays at the rail terminal; and (iii) examining the advantages of asymmetric coordination between trunk and feeder schedules in both service directions. To tackle the increased modeling complexity, we introduce a semi-analytical method that combines analytically derived properties of the optimal solution with an iterative search algorithm. Local transit agencies can readily utilize this approach to design a real fixed-route feeder system.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhen, Li & Gu, Weihua, 2024. "Feeder bus service design under spatially heterogeneous demand," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 189(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:transa:v:189:y:2024:i:c:s0965856424002623
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tra.2024.104214
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    References listed on IDEAS

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