Title: Bus transport system quality benchmarking and optimisation using FAHP & GP technique

Authors: Vijay Singh Solanki; P.K. Agarwal; Sushma Kiran; Dinesh K. Agarwal

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, MANIT, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462003, India ' Department of Civil Engineering, MANIT, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462003, India ' Asansol Engineering College, Vivekananda Sarani, Kanyapur, Asansol, West Bengal, 713305, India ' Krishna Vishva Vidhyapeeth, Malkapur, Karad, Maharashtra, 415539, India

Abstract: This study focuses on the optimisation of operator and user-based operational parameters that affect the urban bus transportation system. To optimise the screened parameters identified in user and operator opinion surveys, a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) and goal programming (GP) technique was used. Ten pivotal explanatory parameters were identified viz service hours, journey time delays, ridership quality, operator earnings, road accident rates, fuel consumption, bus fleet intensity, bus stop density, women and child safety, reliability. Further, pairwise comparisons for the identified explanatory parameters were conducted using FAHP, according to selected experts with experience in bus transportation research. Depending upon the magnitude of the parametric weights, the goal programming-based weighted sum of deviations was reduced to obtain the optimal values. Results from the study indicate that delays in bus journey time, operator earnings, bus fleet intensity, and women and child safety are the most essential components.

Keywords: transportation; public transport; goal programming; passenger perceptions; fleet intensity; FAHP; fuzzy analytical hierarchy process; bus transport; safety; journey time; transport quality; explanatory parameters.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2024.136245

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2024 Vol.31 No.1, pp.147 - 168

Received: 20 Jan 2023
Accepted: 01 May 2023
Published online: 24 Jan 2024 *

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