Joint optimization of route design and schedules for fixed route transit systems

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The proposed research programme, a partnership between the University of Toronto and Trapeze, has two maingoals. The first is to develop a cloud-based software solution for jointly devising tactical route plans and schedules for fixed-route transit systems, while the second is to apply this software on a real-world case study, utilizing new sources of transit data. Because of their complexity, route planning and schedule construction are commonly handled by different departments within transit agencies, and handled in a sequential fashion. This software will allow transit agencies to more efficiently perform some transit planning tasks by accounting for their impact on scheduling (both vehicle and driver) during their formulation. This will include more accurate evaluation of selected tactical plans, namely transit signal priority and stop and service patterns, and scheduling options through simulation of transit service and its riders, enabled by the computational power of the Southern Ontario Smart Computing Innovation Platform (SOSCIP). Value will be provided for the broader transit community in the methods developed to account for scheduling considerations during transit planning tasks and in incorporating simulation as part of the scheduling process. In addition to improving the offerings of Trapeze, a Canadian company providing leading-edge transit scheduling solutions, more general benefits to Canada may arise by enabling transit service to be more effective for its users and more efficient for its operators.