Route Optimization of Feeder Bus for Electric Train Service

The Electric Train Service (ETS), which connects the
cities of Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh, has been in operation since
2010. The ETS has not only provided a safe, fast and cost
effective way to travel between these two cities, but has also
spurred the economic activities of the major towns between
them. However, the lack of an effective feeder bus system that
brings commuters to the ETS stations remains a significant
problem. The objective of this paper is to design a wide
coverage feeder bus route that is also effective and efficient in
terms of service. Specifically, genetic algorithm has been used to
optimize the feeder bus route. The optimization is performed to
attain the widest service coverage, lowest operation cost,
shortest total travel time, shortest total travel distance and to
meet the highest demand. As a test case, the Batu Gajah, Perak
ETS station has been used. Simulation results show that solving
the route optimization problem can produce a wide coverage
route with high effectiveness and efficiency in service.