A multi-modal approach to the location of a rapid transit line

The location of a rapid transit line (RTL) represents a very complex decision problem because of the large number of decision makers, unquantifiable criteria and uncertain data. In this context Operational Research can help in the design process by providing tools to generate and assess alternative solutions. For this purpose two bicriterion mathematical programming models-the Maximum Coverage Shortest Path model and the Median Shortest Path model-have been developed in the past. In this paper a new bicriterion model, which can evaluate in a more realistic way the attractivity of an RTL is introduced. To calculate an estimation of the non-inferior solution set of the problem, a procedure based on a k-shortest path algorithm was developed. This approach was applied to a well-known sample problem and the results are discussed and compared with those obtained using a Median Shortest Path model. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.