Synchronisation of timetables for public bus lines using genetic algorithms and computer simulations

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a model of the bus lines synchronisation based on simulation of the public transport system with a genetic algorithm as a tool to obtain some rational solution. The proposed approach considers stochastic nature of the public transport technological processes and provides in a short time a solution close to optimal. The total waiting time for passengers at all the nodes of a public transport network is used as the objective function in the synchronisation problem. Synchronisation is implemented due to time shifts at the schedules for public transport line; these time shifts are represented as chromosomes of a genetic algorithm. In order to evaluate the objective function, simulations of a public transport network were provided. The developed mathematical model is implemented in Python within the frame of a class library for modelling of public transport processes. A case of a public transport system of Bochnia city is applied to illustrate the procedure of synchronisation on the grounds of the developed model.