Urban transit network design problems: a general model and some solution algorithms

In this paper we propose a general model and some solution algorithms for solving the Transit Network Design Problem in urban areas. The model is a constrained optimisation model where the decision variables are line routes and frequencies, the constraints regard feasible values for the frequencies, budget, line capacities and user assignment. The general model, that can be particularised in function of the aim of the design, can assume the transportation demand as rigid or elastic. In the paper some meta-heuristic algorithms are proposed for solving the problem and tested on a case study.