Multiple criteria optimization method for the vehicle assignment problem in a bus transportation company

Abstract

A vehicle assignment problem (VAP) in a road, longhaul, passenger transportation company with heterogeneous fleet of buses is considered in the paper. The mathematical model of the VAP is formulated in terms of multiobjective, combinatorial optimization. It has a strategic, long-term character and takes into account four criteria that represent interests of both passengers and the company's management. The decision consists in the definition of weekly operating frequency (number of rides per week) of buses on international routes between Polish and Western European cities. The VAP is solved in a step-wise procedure. In the first step a sample of efficient (Pareto-optimal) solutions is generated using an original metaheuristic method called Pareto Memetic Algorithm (PMA). In the second step this sample is reviewed and evaluated by the Decision Maker (DM). In this phase an interactive, multiple criteria analysis method with graphical facilities, called Light Beam Search (LBS), is applied. The method helps the DM to define his/her preferences, direct the search process and select the most satisfactory solution.

Multiple Criteria Decision-Making Techniques in Transportation Systems: A Systematic Review of the State of the Art Literature

“…Hanaoka and Kunadhamraks (2009) applied Fuzzy-AHP to measure the performance in the transportation related to intermodal freight. Zak et al (2009) applied MCA method based on named Light Beam Search and graphical amenities to optimizing the problems in transit vehicle. Campos and De Rus (2009) evaluated the sustainable mobility based weightage index in urban zones.…”

Multi-criteria approaches for urban passenger transport systems: a literature review

“…Tsamboulas (2007) Investment on infrastructure for transport systems X X X X X X X X X transport systems X X X X X X X X Iniestra and Garcia (2009) Investment on infrastructure for transport systems X X X X X X X X X Keshkamat et al (2009) Vehicle scheduling X X X X X X X X X X Liu and Lai (2009) Assessment of environmental impacts X X X X X X X X X X Zak et al (2009) Vehicle assignment to routes of mass transport systems X X X X X X Macharis et al (2010) Policies for decision-making in passenger transport systems X X X X X Mohajeri and Amin (2010) Location of rail lines X X X X X X X X X X Pressl et al (2010) Choice of technologies X X X Rybarczyk and Wu (2010) Investment on infrastructure for transport systems X XX X X X X Achillas et al (2011) Assessment of environmental impacts X X X X X X X X Ambrasaite et al (2011) Investment on infrastructure for transport systems X X X X X…”

A Model Proposal for a Multi-Objective and Multi-Criteria Vehicle Assignment Problem: An Application for a Security Organization

“…Byun [36] proposed the AHP approach for selecting an automobile purchase model, which may affect the vehicle selection criteria to select the best car among three different cars. A multi-criteria optimization method for the vehicle assignment problem in a bus transportation company is studied by Zak et al [37]; the routes of the buses are found to minimize the cost of transportation. Apak et al [38] studied an AHP approach with a novel framework for luxury car selection.…”