Bus Trajectory Optimization With Holding, Speed and Traffic Signal Actuation in Controlled Transit Systems

We propose an optimal actuation of operational commands for regularizing bus headways. Assuming that a transit headway control system manages the bus operation by issuing reference arrival times at the next station for a bus, the problem is how to implement the control decisions for the bus in terms of three nonexclusive alternative actions: holding the bus at stops; varying bus speeds; and controlling traffic lights. Mathematical programming provides the basis of the approach. The constraints specify the bus trajectory model and the operator objectives are formulated as a multi-objective cost function solved by a lexicographic method. Results for a bus run on a single segment between two stops highlight the properties of the solution. A simulation study of an entire transit corridor in Quebec City, Canada, shows the advantage of the method over both headway control based on pure holding at stops and on one that combines holding and absolute transit signal priority.

Automated summary

This study proposes an optimized bus headway control system, which utilizes mathematical programming and a multi-objective cost function for implementation. Results demonstrate the clear advantages of this method in bus operation.