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Optimal Express Bus Routes Design with Limited-Stop Services for Long-Distance Commuters

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  • Hongguo Ren

    (School of Architecture and Art, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, Hebei, China
    Key Laboratory of Architectural Physical Environment and Regional Building Protection Technology, Handan 056038, Hebei, China)

  • Zhenbao Wang

    (School of Architecture and Art, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, Hebei, China
    Key Laboratory of Architectural Physical Environment and Regional Building Protection Technology, Handan 056038, Hebei, China)

  • Yanyan Chen

    (School of Urban Transportation, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China)

Abstract

This research aimed to propose a route optimization method for long-distance commuter bus service to improve the attraction of public transport as a sustainable travel mode. Taking the express bus services (EBS) in Changping Corridor in Beijing as an example, we put forward an EBS route-planning method for long-distance commuter based on a solving algorithm for vehicle routing problem with pickups and deliveries (VRPPD) to determine the length of routes, number of lines, and stop location. Mobile phone location (MPL) data served as a valid instrument for the origin–destination (OD) estimation, which provided a new perspective to identify the locations of homes and jobs. The OD distribution matrices were specified via geocoded MPL data. The optimization objective of the EBS is to minimize the total distance traveled by the lines, subject to maximum segment capacity constraints. The sensitivity analysis was done to several key factors (e.g., the segment capacity, vehicle capacity, and headway) influencing the number of lines, the length of routes. The results suggest that the scenario with the segment capacity of 4000 passengers/h has a minimum of number and length of lines, but we recommend that the transit agency adopt 3000 passengers/h as the route segment capacity because this scenario results in minimum fleet size and minimum total operation length.

Suggested Citation

  • Hongguo Ren & Zhenbao Wang & Yanyan Chen, 2020. "Optimal Express Bus Routes Design with Limited-Stop Services for Long-Distance Commuters," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-14, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:4:p:1669-:d:324176
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    References listed on IDEAS

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