Timetable Optimization of a Hierarchical Feeder Bus System in Consideration of User Cost Composition

The performance of the integrated bus-rail system is directly affected by the service level of the feeder bus system. In China, there are many different types of feeder bus lines such as express feeder bus lines and regular feeder bus lines. Compared to regular bus lines, express bus lines have higher fares but shorter riding times. Optimizing the hierarchical feeder bus system with multiple line modes is not only more practical but also of great importance in improving the service level of the feeder bus system. In this study, a hierarchical feeder bus system timetable optimization model is proposed to minimize user cost. We take into account the particular composition of user cost, which includes transfer time cost, riding time cost, and fare cost. A solution algorithm with Genetic Algorithm is proposed to solve the developed optimization model. A numerical example is used to verify the effectiveness and optimality of the proposed approach. The results show that improving the supply of express feeder bus lines increases the fare cost, but effectively reduces the user cost. In practice, it is necessary to balance the supply allocation between express feeder bus lines and regular feeder bus lines to achieve the optimal effect.