Identifying bus stop redundancy: A gis-based spatial optimization approach

► A Spatial Interaction Coverage (SIC) model is used for transit planning. ► SIC presents an alternative modeling tool to increase system efficiency while maintaining suitable access coverage. ► Model parameters (access distance and facility attraction) are calibrated through consultations with local transit planners. ► Simulated annealing heuristic is developed within a GIS to solve this non-linear problem. Transit planners are often faced with a tradeoff between improving accessibility through the addition of stops while simultaneously increasing efficiency so that destinations can be reached in a reasonable amount of time. In this paper, we propose the development of an optimization framework integrated within a Geographical Information System (GIS) for addressing this specific problem. Our proposed modeling framework departs from well-known facility location coverage models by considering both the impact of walking distance from an individual residential location to a stop and the transit facility attractiveness (ease to cross, number of destinations served). Integration within a GIS environment is accomplished using a simulated annealing heuristic. An example on an inbound urban bus route illustrates the utility of the approach for transit planning, using model parameters developed in collaboration with local transit agencies.