DES modeling of DRT: Discrete event system modeling and control of demand responsive transportation systems in real time

Demand responsive transportation is a variable route service of passengers or freight from specific origin (s) to destination(s) in response to the request of users. Recent methods for DRT planning and control are based on closed information loop and aim a higher level of service automation, flexibility and efficiency. Advances in the information and communication technologies, such as the Internet, mobile communication devices, GIS, GPS, Intelligent Transportation Systems have led to a significantly complex and highly dynamical decision making environment. In this study DRT systems are modeled as Discrete Event Systems using Finite Automata formalism and DRT real time control is addressed using Supervisory Control Theory. Two application scenarios are considered; the first is based on air- charter service and the second one is a mission critical application based on emergency evacuation problem. The discussed methods should be particularly useful to students and professionals in Informatics and Transportation science field or anyone who may deal in real time transportation planning and control.