Dynamic timetables - a smart way to cut costs in the aftermath of Covid-19

Purpose and goal Covid-19 is likely to impose substantial cost reduction requirements on public transport. This project is a research project that seeks to explore dynamic timetables as a way to reduce traffic production costs in a way that balances demand and supply. By adjusting the timetable weekly instead of yearly, there should be opportunities to save by reducing overproduction of traffic. Expected results and effects The project expects to result in a prototype of a tool that generates dynamic bus schedules as well as an estimate of what possible cost reductions this might entail. Planned approach and implementation Data input data is timetables, real-time vehicle positions and data streams for passenger boarding. The next step is model development and training of the model. Dynamic timetables will be generated and adapted together with timetable specialists from Nobina. The dynamic schedules will be evaluated and adjusted in several perspectives (punctuality, cost, transport maximization). Finally, cost reduction potential is estimated, balancing public transport needs with costs. This is done in cooperation with business developers from SL (Public Transport in Stockholm).