Βελτιστοποίηση διαδρομών σχολικών λεωφορείων με την χρήση Συστημάτων Γεωγραφικών Πληροφοριών και εκτίμηση περιβαλλοντικού και οικονομικού αντικτύπου

Πανταζής, Αλέξανδρος

Master Thesis

Author

Πανταζής, Αλέξανδρος

Date

2025

Abstract

This study examines the design and implementation of an integrated methodology for optimizing school bus routes using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and vehicle routing algorithms. The research focuses on a large private school in eastern Attica that operates a substantial fleet of buses, serving more than fifteen hundred students daily. The primary objective is to minimize student travel times, reduce the overall distance covered by the buses, and concurrently lower fuel consumption along with associated carbon dioxide emissions. These goals align with broader principles of sustainable development and responsible transportation management, given that school transport significantly contributes to traffic congestion in urban areas. The methodological approach began with gathering and preparing diverse data, including precise parking locations for vehicles, student pickup addresses, and fleet characteristics such as capacity, fuel consumption, and dimensions. Subsequently, ArcGIS Pro was utilized to develop a customized road network, drawing initially on OpenStreetMap data and then incorporating ESRI services for more detailed traffic information. Within this framework, time constraints were set for the school’s operating hours, estimated boarding and alighting times, and capacity limits for various bus sizes. An automated Model Builder workflow was further developed to ensure computational repeatability and facilitate modifications across different days or changing conditions. With a view to identifying optimal routes, two distinct approaches were implemented in the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) algorithm. The first entailed reallocating stops to curtail unnecessary distances and avoid overlap in the same areas, while leaving the established departure times largely unaltered. The second introduced a more flexible time window, enabling buses to depart at varying intervals to circumvent specific zones and peak traffic periods. Comparisons of these solutions with existing routes revealed notable benefits regarding fuel conservation and reduced time spent on buses. A comprehensive assessment considered the total number of buses employed, their traveled distances, fuel costs, and estimated carbon dioxide emissions. Findings indicated that optimized routes can significantly diminish distance travelled and enhance efficiency, whereas sensible adjustments to departure windows offer added flexibility and a more rational distribution of routes. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of a holistic approach to addressing the school bus routing problem, fully leveraging the capabilities of GIS. Through technological support, realistic parameters, and dynamic scenarios, substantial reductions in operating costs, environmental impact, and student travel time can be achieved, thereby laying the foundation for a more sustainable, economically viable, and safe school transportation system.

Postgraduate Studies Programme

Κλιματική Κρίση και Τεχνολογίες Πληροφορικής και Επικοινωνιών / MSc in Climate Crisis and Information and Communication Technologies

Department

Σχολή Τεχνολογιών Πληροφορικής και Επικοινωνιών. Τμήμα Ψηφιακών Συστημάτων

Number of pages

Language

Greek

URI

https://dione.lib.unipi.gr/xmlui/handle/unipi/17790

Collections

Τμήμα Ψηφιακών Συστημάτων

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Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as
Αναφορά Δημιουργού-Μη Εμπορική Χρήση-Όχι Παράγωγα Έργα 3.0 Ελλάδα