Optimization of Multimodal Discrete Network Design Problems Based on Super Networks

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the multimodal discrete network design problem that simultaneously optimizes the car, bus, and rail transit network, in which inter-modal transfers are achieved by slow traffic modes including walking and bike-sharing. Specifically, a super network topology is presented to signify the modal interactions. Then, the generalized cost formulas of each type of links in the super network are defined. And based on the above formulas a bi-objective programming model is proposed to minimize the network operation cost and construction cost with traffic flow equilibrium constraints, investment constraints and expansion constraints. Moreover, a hybrid heuristic algorithm that combines the minimum cost flow algorithm and simulated annealing algorithm is presented to solve the proposed model. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithm is evaluated through two numerical tests: a simple test network and an actual multimodal transport network.

Keywords

• super network
• discrete network design problem
• multimodal transport network
• bi-objective programming
• hybrid heuristic algorithm