Hybrid Scheduling and Routing for Rural Transit with Flexible and Fixed-Route Integration

Zheyu Li, Paul Schonfeld · 2026 · Transportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board

Summary. Rural transit systems struggle to balance cost and service quality. This paper proposes an integrated model combining flexible-route shuttles with fixed-route buses to serve low-density areas. Flexible routes handle first- and last-mile trips while fixed routes serve core corridors, with controlled deviations and coordinated scheduling. The model reduces total operating costs and passenger travel times compared to purely flexible or fixed approaches.

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Li, Z., & Schonfeld, P.. (2026). Hybrid Scheduling and Routing for Rural Transit with Flexible and Fixed-Route Integration. Transportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board. https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981261480104

@article{li-2026-hybrid-scheduling-routing-rural-transit,
  title   = {Hybrid Scheduling and Routing for Rural Transit with Flexible and Fixed-Route Integration},
  author  = {Zheyu Li and Paul Schonfeld},
  journal = {Transportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board},
  year    = {2026},
  doi     = {10.1177/03611981261480104},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981261480104}
}

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TI  - Hybrid Scheduling and Routing for Rural Transit with Flexible and Fixed-Route Integration
AU  - Zheyu Li
AU  - Paul Schonfeld
JO  - Transportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board
PY  - 2026
DO  - 10.1177/03611981261480104
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Details

DOI: 10.1177/03611981261480104
Countries: United States
Regions: North America
Categories: transportation, regional-innovation-systems, general-innovation
Added: 2026-09-01