Computer-assisted school bus routing and scheduling optimization. An evaluation of potential fuel savings and implementation alternatives
School Bus Routing and Scheduling Optimization (SBRSO) systems can substantially reduce school bus fleet operating costs. Fuel savings in excess of 450,000 gallons per year are achievable and a 10% decrease in route miles is attainable given computerized or computer-assisted SBRSO system use by the 32 Washington school districts operating bus fleets of at least 30 vehicles. Additional annual savings in excess of $3 million are possible assuming an 8% reduction in bus fleet size is made possible due to routing efficiency improvements. Three computerized SBRSO programs are examined, differing in the degree of state involvement and level of decentralization. We recommend the Washington State Energy Office (WSEO) acquire available low cost public domain SBRSO systems, convert the software to IBM and DEC compatibility, and demonstrate the software capabilities with at least one school district fleet. The most acceptable SBRSO system would then be disseminated and training offered to interested school districts, Educational Service Districts, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction's regional pupil transportation coordinators. If the existing public domain SBRSO systems prove unsatisfactory, or suitable only for rural districts, we recommend that the WSEO allocate oil company rebate monies for the development of a suitable SBRSO system. Training workshops would then be held when the SBRSO software was completed.
- Research Organization:
- Washington State Energy Office, Olympia (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6051354
- Report Number(s):
- WAOENG-85-38; WS-LGTA-85-08; ON: DE86005134
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
BUSES
ROUTING
DATA PROCESSING
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
ENERGY CONSERVATION
FUEL CONSUMPTION
PLANNING
WASHINGTON
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
FEDERAL REGION X
NORTH AMERICA
PROCESSING
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
USA
VEHICLES
320203* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Transportation- Land & Roadway