Scientific African (Jul 2021)
A proposed Ghanaian intercity public transport departure scheduling model based on the dynamic rate leaky bucket algorithm
Abstract
In this paper, the random departure of intercity public transport buses in Ghana which is influenced by the arrival patterns of passengers is shaped into a deterministic one with regular departure intervals based on the dynamic rate leaky bucket algorithm. This is essential because a regulated bus departure system is capable of providing transit information to travellers thereby reducing passenger waiting times. The arrival patterns of passengers were simulated and grouped into three blocks based on the frequency of arrival of passengers. The three blocks represented peak seasons, moderate seasons and off-peak seasons. Departure intervals were then calculated to suit each block. The recommended fleet size required to maintain the departure consistency was also determined based on the fixed departure interval and the round-trip time. The second phase involved developing a bus schedule based on the determined fixed departure intervals and recommended fleet size. The results as depicted with graphs showed that the fixed departure schedule reduced passenger waiting times. The minimum fleet size could also give transit operators an idea of how to manage their fleet to efficiently use resources. The KNUST Campus shuttle was used as a test case for the model. A fixed departure schedule was developed based on the proposed model. Simulation results showed a significant reduction in passenger waiting times for various passenger arrival patterns and also proposed a recommended fleet size and bus capacity.
