A new optimisation procedure to design minibus services: an application for the Lisbon Metropolitan Area

This paper focuses on the formulation of a Mixed Integer Linear Program (MILP) that was used in the design of a new alternative intermediate transport mode and examines the viability of its implementation on the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. Due to the high combinatorial nature of the problem, the modelling process was divided into four phases: estimation of the potential demand, definition of stops, determination of the service O/D matrix and establishment of the most profitable routes. The developed algorithm is able to generate solutions for large areas, although limited by the number of stops considered in the routing phase.