Integrated optimization method of operational subsidy with fare for urban rail transit

摘要

For the sustainable development of urban rail transit, an operational subsidy is a way to increase operators' profits and can balance profits among government, operators, and passengers. A method of efficiency-oriented subsidy optimization is proposed. With the aim of maximizing the efficiency of the subsidy, that is, minimizing the average subsidy of passengers, the optimization model is constructed considering elastic demand and congestion, with fares and train operating headway and the passenger demand as the decision variables. A solution algorithm is designed to solve the model, including two sub-algorithms for calculating the headway and passenger volume in the main iteration. Taking metro line 2 in Changsha, China, as an example, the optimization result is analysed and compared with that of the reality. The sensitivity analysis of the proposed model and algorithm is also examined.