Use of fuzzy optimization and linear goal programming approaches in urban bus lines organization

Abstract

Determination of bus stop locations and bus stop frequencies are important issues in public transportation planning. This study analyzes the relationships among demand, travel time, bus stop locations, frequency, fleet size and passenger capacity parameters and develops models for bus stop locations and bus service frequency using fuzzy linear programming and linear goal programming approaches. The models are microscopic and applied to determine the bus stop locations and bus service frequency in the city of Izmir, Turkey, where 26 bus routes pass through two stops in the center city. The fuzzy optimization model minimizes the passenger access time and in-vehicle travel time. The reduction of the values of the bus service frequency and time parameters derived by the two proposed models are validated by a cost function. Encouraging results are obtained. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.