A FLEXIBLE SYSTEM FOR SCHEDULING DRIVERS

A substantial part of the operating costs of public transport is attributable to drivers, whose efficient use therefore is important. The compilation of optimal work packages is difficult, being NP-hard. In practice, algorithmic advances and enhanced computing power have led to significant progress in achieving better schedules. However, differences in labor practices among modes of transport and operating companies make production of a truly general system with acceptable performance a difficult proposition. TRACS II has overcome these difficulties, being used with success by a substantial number of bus and train operators. Many theoretical aspects of the system have been published previously, with this paper showing for the first time how theory and practice have been brought together, explaining the many features which have been added to the algorithmic kernel to provide a user-friendly and adaptable system designed to provide maximum flexibility in practice. The extent to which users have been involved in system development leading to many practical successes is discussed, and recent achievements are summarized.

• Corporate Authors:

  Kluwer Academic Publishers

  P.O. Box 17
  Dordrecht,   Netherlands 
• Authors:
  • Wren, A
  • Fores, S
  • Kwan, A
  • Kwan, R
  • Parker, M
  • Proll, L
• Publication Date: 2003-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 437-455
• Serial:
  • Journal of Scheduling
  • Volume: 6
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: Kluwer Academic Publishers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Algorithms; Dispatching; Labor costs; Public transit; Schedules and scheduling; Transit operators
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00969455
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 2 2004 12:00AM