ORCID
http//orcid.org/0000-0001-5238-8850
Abstract
Efficient transportation systems are essential for reducing passengers waiting times in densely populated areas. However, there is a dearth of information on the optimization of vehicle mix for three-and four-wheel transportation systems in Nigeria. The present study was designed to optimize the vehicle mix for three-and four-wheel passenger transportation to improve transportation efficiency. Twenty purposively selected vehicles were observed, while a queuing model (M/M/s) was used to determine passenger arrival rates during different periods (morning, afternoon, and evening). An integer linear programming model was developed to minimize passenger waiting times. Data on vehicle types, capacities, travel cycles, and average passenger waiting times were collected over five working days for three months at a Nigerian tertiary institution. These data were input into the model and solved in the Python PuLP environment. The obtained optimal vehicle mix for morning were 4, 2, 1, and 13 at either travel cycles (C_3)=1, 2, or 3, respectively; afternoon, and evening were 6, 2, 1, 11; 4, 2,1, 13; 4, 2,1, 13, and 7, 2, 3, 8; 5, 2, 1, 12; 4, 2,1, 13 for C_3=1, 2, or 3, respectively, for cars, shuttlebus, omnibus, and tricycle. The reduced total passenger waiting times were up to 41.4, 12.8, and 13.6% for morning, afternoon, and evening, respectively, by the optimized vehicle mix compared to existing transportation system. The per-passenger time savings were 0.11-14.55 minutes depending on period and travel cycle. The model provides a framework for real-time vehicle allocation, reducing congestion, enhancing passenger satisfaction, and supporting sustainable transport operations. The approach has broad applicability for transportation planning and management.
Recommended Citation
MUYIWA, O. A., Jimoh, H. A., & Oriolowo, K. T. (2026). Optimization of Vehicle Mix for Three-and Four-Wheel Passenger Transportation System in Nigeria. Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology, 45(1), 12-20. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.65085/2619-8789.1016
Publisher Name
University of Dar es Salaam
Included in
Industrial Engineering Commons, Operational Research Commons, Transportation Engineering Commons