Proposal of Routes with Capacity Constraints for UNITEC Tegucigalpa through Linear Programming

Abstract

With the return to in-person classes at UNITEC Tegucigalpa in 2022, a transportation system with various routes and schedules was introduced. However, route assignment was done empirically, resulting in dissatisfaction due to overcrowding on some routes. This research aimed to develop a route plan considering the capacity of transport units to avoid standing passengers. Morning and afternoon routes were evaluated, considering the demands of 98 and 80 stops, respectively, distributed in the city of the Central District. Bus capacity was crucial in the mathematical model to optimize transportation, addressing the problem as a type of Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem (CVRP). The proposed plan ensures seats for 100% of users, eliminating the 8% who travel standing, and improves unit efficiency by 16%. Validation supports its feasibility, recommending implementation, provided that bus demand and availability conditions remain constant according to study values.