Solving a routing and scheduling problem involves a set of conflicting goals and

constraints, like using the main roads other than the shortest route, and giving a better average
service rather than a better overall service. For a bus transit service, it is always preferable to
expand its catchment area as much as possible. But as demand varies with time it is not
feasible to provide best services at all the time. Low demand at non-peak hours and high
operators costs result in excess capacity if service levels are not changed. !ll ma"or destination
points should be covered in the route. #herefore service should be provided in a way, which
satisfies the ma"or re$uirements without increasing operating cost. #his process usually prompts
more modifications, which in turn must be evaluated.
%t is generally recogni&ed that route optimi&ation procedures in transportation can reduce
delivery cost from '() to *(). ! large number of algorithms and methods have been
developed for solving optimi&ed routing and scheduling problems but many aspects and
constraints have yet to be taken into account.
Steven +*((,- has developed .enetic algorithm +.!- to optimi&e a bus transit system
serving an irregularly shaped area with a grid street network. #he ob"ective is to minimi&e the
total cost and it is sub"ect to the realistic demand distribution and street pattern. #his paper
develops a .! to optimi&e a bus system including the number of routes, their locations and
operating headways.
%ntersection delays and realistic street patterns are considered with an assumption that
buses can stop anywhere along the bus line when there is a re$uest from boarding or alighting
passengers. #hus, the location of bus stops can be neglected. Steven concludes that relocating
bus routes and optimi&ing corresponding headways may reduce the operating cost as well as
improve the transit systems accessibility.

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! $uick and an ade$uate solution to bus route planning problem can reduce transit
operating cost, improve the transit level of service and attract people using public transportation
systems. !pplication of route optimi&ation strategies can improve capacity and performance of
bus system.
#he review of related literature shows that substantial improvement in services and
performance of the system is possible by employing better method for route optimi&ation.
3owever, bus transport service should still provide comfortable traveling, reasonable fare and
minimum time for traveling. 4roviding efficient routes and minimum delay can ensure these
attributes.
References
Tiwari, M. a. (2006). Review of Capacity Improvement Strategies for Bs transit
Service. Indian Journal of Transport Management , !"#$!"2, !%&.