Tuesday 30 January 2007

Decentralised public transport

There are a lot of automatic optimisation algorithms around, and a lot of problems with the current public transport system. Even though we can't do away with human drivers for a while, perhaps we can turn the whole system into a self-optimising one with some software to oversee the show. It would figure out the most popular destinations and the most heavily trafficked routes and optimise them by adding more services. It may even be able to create new routes that bypass the city centre entirely, if there are enough patrons.

Mokalus of Borg

PS - I don't know if it would actually help or not.
PPS - I'd just be reassured that human politics wasn't deciding my bus schedule.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Maybe when they implement this new smart card system fully, and they are able to track exactly where people are getting on and off the bus they will be able to use the data to determine better routes and services

John said...

That's true (though the smart card system has been delayed over and over). I suspect, however, that the data will be used primarily to determine which services can be scrapped to save money. Call me a cynic.