TITLE:
Optimization of Urban Rail Transportation in Emerging Countries Using Operational Research Techniques
AUTHORS:
M. C. Agarana, T. A. Anake, H. I. Okagbue
KEYWORDS:
Rail System, Emerging Countries, Operational Research, Network Model, Transportation Model, Linear Programming Algorithm
JOURNAL NAME:
Applied Mathematics,
Vol.7 No.10,
June
23,
2016
ABSTRACT: Rail systems are gradually becoming the
most desirable form of transit infrastructure around the world, partly because
they are becoming more environmentally friendly compared with airplanes and
automobiles. This paper examines the place of emerging countries in this move
of implementing modern rail system that will eventually enhance the realization
of a low-carbon society. Network model, transportation model and linear
programming algorithms are used to model the present urban rail transport
system in Nigeria, as an emerging country, in order to optimize it. Operational
research methods, including simplex method and MODI, with the aids of computer
software (excel solver and LIP solver) were adopted to solve the resulting
models. The results showed that optimization of rail transport system will not
only reduce carbon emission but also bring about economic development which is
required for the eradication of prevalent poverty in these emerging countries.