A simulation-based study to improve campus shuttle services

Abstract

This project examines the feasibility of implementing a simulation model to

represent the queuing model of bus stops for the shuttle buses in NTU, in order to

investigate the impact on costs and service levels of making changes to the current

system. FLEXSIM, a simulation software for manufacturing industries, was used to

create the simulation model for the entire shuttle bus service in NTU. This report

documents the different simulated results of average passenger waiting times and

total monthly cost for different changes made to the current shuttle bus service.

To begin with the project, a literature review was first given to provide background

information pertaining to simulation modelling, queuing theories, FLEXSIM

simulation software, as well as the explanation on the current shuttle bus service.

The types of data to be collected, as well as the methods of data collection were then

discussed and shown. These were followed by a comprehensive explanation on the

details of how the collected data were implemented in the simulation model, the

process flow of each component in the simulation model, and the settings of the

different components in the simulation model.

Finally, the different simulated costs and average passenger waiting times from

different combinations of buses of each route were found and compared against that

of the current existing system. Recommendations on feasible changes to the current

system, as well as improvements for future work were also introduced.