Transit transfer optimization with capacity constraint consideration: Evidence from Chengdu bus

Few studies have adequately focused on transit optimization transfer with capacity constraint, or provided useful guidance on transfer improvements, which is the writing motivation of this paper. Taking into account the passengers´ subjective perception to assess transfer cost and to identify ways to reduce it and with capacity constraint consideration, our treatment of transfer optimization is to minimize transfer waiting time by adjusting transit schedules. The problem is formulated as a mixed integer nonlinear programming model. It can evaluate different transfer components, such as transfer walking, waiting time, etc. Finally, an actual transit network of Chengdu is used as a case study to demonstrate the benefits of the proposed model. The result indicates that the vehicle capacity is an important factor that can´t be ignored and a better understanding of transfer behavior and improvements to the transfer experience could significantly benefit public transit system.