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A reduced integer programming model for the ferry scheduling problem

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Abstract

We present an integer programming model for the ferry scheduling problem, improving existing models in various ways. In particular, our model has reduced size in terms of the number of variables and constraints compared to existing models by a factor of approximately O(n), with n being the number of ports. The model also handles efficiently load/unload time constraints, crew scheduling and passenger transfers. Experiments using real world data produced high quality solutions in 12 hours using CPLEX 12.4 with a performance guarantee of within 15 % of optimality, on average. This establishes that using a general purpose integer programming solver is a viable alternative in solving the ferry scheduling problem of moderate size.

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Notes

  1. Our notations follow several simple rules. The ports are usually denoted by k, s or p. Ferries are usually denoted by f. The superscript is used for either port or ferry and subscripts for other indices.

  2. We assume that such arcs exist.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mathematics, Simon Fraser University Surrey, Central City, 250-13450 102nd AV, Surrey, British Columbia, V3T 0A3, Canada

    Daniel Karapetyan & Abraham P. Punnen

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  1. Daniel Karapetyan
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  2. Abraham P. Punnen
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Correspondence to Daniel Karapetyan.

Additional information

This research work was supported by BC Ferries and MITACS.

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Karapetyan, D., Punnen, A.P. A reduced integer programming model for the ferry scheduling problem. Public Transp 4, 151–163 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12469-012-0058-0

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