Optimal Algorithm for Managing on-Campus Student Transportation

This study analyzed the transportation issues at the University of Bahrain Sakhir campus, where a bus system with an unorganized and fixed number of buses allocated each semester was in place. Data was collected through a survey, on-site observations, and student schedules to estimate the number of buses needed. The study was limited to students who require to move between buildings for academic purposes and not those who choose to ride buses for other reasons. An algorithm was designed to calculate the optimal number of buses for each time slot, and for each day. This solution could improve transportation efficiency, lower costs, enhance students' mobility experience, and decrease CO2 emissions. A series of recommendations were provided to university officials including the need for further research to examine creating new routes and implementing express buses.