Fuzzy dynamic timetable scheduling for public transit

Timetable scheduling for public transit seeks to optimize service quality and utilization of limited resources. A new method is proposed to find a sequence of time intervals adjusted to the dynamic passenger flow in a fuzzy environment with improved reverse-flow. The decision making is based on two fuzzy variables – passenger satisfaction and vehicle capacity usage. Compared with the original timetable, the optimized timetable can adjust to the varying passenger flow, while balancing passenger satisfaction and vehicle load, and it is optimized for any service time span. A practical implementation is provided on a case study of three bus lines for which timetables are designed and discussed in varying situations.