Optimization of Headways for Bus Rapid Transit System with Stop-skipping Control

Abstract

Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) is designed to provide high quality and cost-efficient passenger transportation services. In order to achieve this design objective, effective scheduling strategies are required. This research aims at improving the operation efficiency and service quality of a BRT system through integrated optimization of its service headways and stop-skipping strategy. Based on cost analysis for both passengers and operation agencies, an optimization model is established. A GA-based algorithm is developed. Beijing BRT Line 2 has been chosen as a case study and the effectiveness of the optimal headways with stop-skipping services under different demand level has been analyzed. The results has shown that, at a certain demand level, the proposed operating strategy can be most advantageous for passengers with an accepted increase of operating costs, under which the optimum headway is between 3.5-5.5 minutes for stop-skipping services during the morning peak hour depending on the demand with the provision of stop-skipping services. The effectiveness of this optimal headways with stop-skipping services is compared with those of existing headways and optimal headways without stop-skipping services. The results show that operating strategies under this optimal headways with stop-skipping services outperforms the other two operating strategies with respect to total costs and in-vehicle time for passengers.

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