The Optimization of Bus Departure Time Based on Uncertainty Theory—Taking No. 207 Bus Line of Nanchang City, China, as an Example

Abstract

In order to optimize the bus departure time considering uncertain factors, this paper constructed an uncertain bi-level programming model for departure frequency and scheduling of a bus line. The uncertainty of passenger arrival and bus operation time were taken into account, combined with actual operation conditions. Nanchang 207 bus line was taken as an example to optimize the departure frequency and scheduling in the morning peak hour. The optimal departure frequency in the morning peak hour is 12 times. The overall index value of the route’s non-uniform scheduling during peak hours increased by 0.06 and 9.23% compared with uniform scheduling. The analysis results show that the effect of the non-uniform scheduling is obvious. The issue of bus line departure frequency and scheduling has a positive effect on improving the efficiency of public transportation, reducing operating costs and promoting the sustainable development of the public transportation system. This paper provides a theoretical support for bus operators to optimize route operations.