A mathematical programming analysis of public transit systems

We illustrate how mathematical programming models can be used to analyse public transit systems. In particular, we analyse the location of bus garages and the allocation of vehicles to these facilities for the Vancouver (Canada) Regional Transit System. The model considers, among other items, vehicle deadhead cost and the capital cost of constructing new garages. Besides the ability to determine cost-minimizing solutions, we explore the use of mathematical programming to examine the effects of different scenarios.