Optimization of Trip-end Networks and Ride Price for Express Coach Systems in the High-speed Rail Era

Abstract

Express coach (EC) lost a considerable share of passengers after high-speed rail (HSR) was implemented. This paper proposes a door-to-door operation mode for the EC system and builds a model to design an EC trip-end network in the origin city with the aim of maximizing the EC's daily operating profit. A case study is undertaken, and the results show that the operating profit of the EC system first increases and then decreases with the growth of the trip-end routes.In the HSR era, door-to-door operation can effectively guarantee the market share and operating profits of the EC.