Joint optimization of fixed route bus networks and complementary paratransit service areas
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2025
Subject Area
mode - bus, mode - paratransit, planning - network design, planning - route design, planning - methods, operations - service span, organisation - regulation, policy - equity, policy - disability
Keywords
Transit design, service area, paratransit, bus, optimization, genetic algorithm
Abstract
An optimization-based approach is proposed for the joint design of fixed-route bus networks and the service areas of complementary paratransit services. Complementary paratransit systems provide transportation to people with disabilities within a service area (PSA) that is traditionally designed as a function of the spatial layout of a fixed-route bus network. The proposed problem accounts for effectiveness and equity objectives for the bus and paratransit services. A constraint on the minimum extension PSAs is considered, which is of practical interest given the coverage regulations faced by transit agencies in some jurisdictions. A two-step procedure is proposed to find solutions to the design problem. In the first step, bus route network designs are generated, along with their minimum PSAs. In the second step, a genetic algorithm improves upon the PSAs generated in the first step. Simulation tests were performed to illustrate the application of the proposed methodology.
Rights
Permission to publish the abstract has been given by Taylor&Francis, copyright remains with them.
Recommended Citation
Rodriguez-Roman, D., López-Martínez, J., & Figueroa-Medina, A. M. (2025). Joint optimization of fixed route bus networks and complementary paratransit service areas. Transportation Letters, 17(1), 36-48.
