Improve connections of the last transport services in metro by a new space-time bicriteria optimization method

The smooth connections of the last transport services are significant for not only the efficient train scheduling but also the operation security of metro stations. A space-time bicriteria optimization method is newly proposed in this study to improve the connections of the last transit services to make the fewest passengers stranded in metro stations. The spatial rationality analyses on transfer distances and directions are first made in this method to avoid irrational transfers between different lines. Therefore, the time of the last trains arriving at and departing from different stations is rationally coordinated optimally. A double-temperature simulated annealing algorithm is newly developed to search for the optimal solution. A numerical experiment is made to testify effectiveness of the proposed optimization method. It is confirmed that the newly proposed method is able to effectively find the rational optimum from space and time perspectives.

Automated summary

A new space-time bicriteria optimization method is proposed to improve the connections of the last transit services, with spatial rationality analyses and a double-temperature simulated annealing algorithm. A numerical experiment confirms the effectiveness of the method in finding rational optimum solutions from spatial and temporal perspectives.