Optimization of transit priority in the transportation network using a decomposition methodology

A new methodology to optimize transit priority is proposed in this paper. Having a higher passenger capacity than private cars, transit vehicles can increase the passenger throughput of roads. This is the main basis for justifying the provision of exclusive transit lanes. Although a range of studies have addressed exclusive transit lanes, all have a localized focus in nominating a transit priority alternative. This paper is aimed at finding the optimum combination of exclusive transit lanes on a network basis. Transit priority is formulated as a bi-level optimization programming which considers modal split, traffic assignment, and transit assignment. A decomposition method is adapted for solving the proposed mathematical model which converges to the optimal solution. The method is also demonstrated in an example network.