Public Transport Timetables and Vehicle Scheduling with Balanced Passenger Loads

Abstract

This work attempts to combine the creation of public transport timetables and vehicle scheduling so as to improve the correspondence of vehicle departure times with passenger demand while minimising the resources (the fleet size required). The methods presented for handling the two components simultaneously can be applied for both single and interlining transit routes, and can be carried out in an automated manner. With the growing problems of transit reliability, and advance in the technology of passenger information systems, the importance of even and clock headways is reduced. This allows for the possibility to create more efficient schedules from both the passenger and operator perspectives. The methodology framework contains a developed algorithm for the derivation of vehicle departure times (timetable) with even average loads and smoothing consideration in the transition between time periods. It is done while ensuring that the derived timetables will be carried out by the minimum number of vehicles. The procedures presented are accompanied by examples and clear graphical explanations. It is emphasised that the public timetable is one of the predominant bridges between the operator (and community) and the passengers.