Data driven synchronization strategies of a bus line in a transit network

This research proposes an online control framework for a bus line using holding, skip-stop and speed change tactics. We build an arc-flow optimization model enumerating all possible tactics within a time horizon and then minimizing the total passenger travel time. Decisions are based on real-time passenger flow data and travel times. The methodology was tested on a case-study of the bus system of the city of Laval, Canada. A simulation framework has been developed, integrating data on smart card transactions and bus locations, to verify the performance and results of the optimization model.