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Solving periodic timetabling problems with SAT and machine learning

Author

Listed:
  • Gonçalo P. Matos

    (SISCOG, Sistemas Cognitivos SA
    Instituto Superior Técnico)

  • Luís M. Albino

    (SISCOG, Sistemas Cognitivos SA)

  • Ricardo L. Saldanha

    (SISCOG, Sistemas Cognitivos SA)

  • Ernesto M. Morgado

    (SISCOG, Sistemas Cognitivos SA
    Instituto Superior Técnico)

Abstract

In this research work we address periodic timetabling, namely the optimisation of public transport timetables with respect to travel times using Boolean satisfiability problem (SAT) and reinforcement learning approaches. While in previous work this optimisation problem has been addressed with mixed integer linear programming, genetic algorithms, SAT, the modulo network simplex, among other techniques, in this work we use an approximation method based on SAT, reinforcement learning and multiagents, a combination of techniques which (to our knowledge) has never been applied in this field. Finally, we present promising results which show that our approach applied to real-world data performs better than existing SAT approaches and even outperforms the current state-of-the-art algorithms (based on the modulo network simplex, mixed integer programming and heuristics) on some problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Gonçalo P. Matos & Luís M. Albino & Ricardo L. Saldanha & Ernesto M. Morgado, 2021. "Solving periodic timetabling problems with SAT and machine learning," Public Transport, Springer, vol. 13(3), pages 625-648, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:pubtra:v:13:y:2021:i:3:d:10.1007_s12469-020-00244-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s12469-020-00244-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Leo Kroon & Dennis Huisman & Erwin Abbink & Pieter-Jan Fioole & Matteo Fischetti & Gábor Maróti & Alexander Schrijver & Adri Steenbeek & Roelof Ybema, 2009. "The New Dutch Timetable: The OR Revolution," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 39(1), pages 6-17, February.
    2. Christian Liebchen, 2008. "The First Optimized Railway Timetable in Practice," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 42(4), pages 420-435, November.
    3. Christian Liebchen, 2007. "Periodic Timetable Optimization in Public Transport," Operations Research Proceedings, in: Karl-Heinz Waldmann & Ulrike M. Stocker (ed.), Operations Research Proceedings 2006, pages 29-36, Springer.
    4. Nachtigall, Karl & Voget, Stefan, 1997. "Minimizing waiting times in integrated fixed interval timetables by upgrading railway tracks," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 103(3), pages 610-627, December.
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