Delhi government is using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to finalize the routes of Mohalla buses. In collaboration with IIT-Delhi, the Kejriwal government will use big data analytics and AI-powered solutions to pinpoint key areas and design bus routes.
Apart from this, the Delhi government has also deployed Assistant Traffic Inspectors (ATIs) to identify routes and assess the operation of mohalla buses in the area. A team of 32 Assistant Traffic Inspectors (ATIs) has been formed, divided into four zones, each zone having two teams of four ATIs. These teams will work at the ground level to understand the practical challenges of operating 9-metre mohalla buses on the routes. The team will also gather input from the public on starting new routes in these areas.
Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gehlot said that the use of AI and big data analytics in public transport will prove to be a game-changer for Delhi. We are also taking help of ATI in finalizing the Mohalla bus route. By identifying under-served and high footfall areas, we can ensure that our mohalla bus network not only increases connectivity but is also operated sustainably.
Method for determining locality bus network-
1. Supply and demand model construction
IIT-Delhi will develop a model to identify all the origins and destinations where there are currently fewer buses running despite higher passenger numbers. The model will use real-world travel time data to evaluate current transit networks and connectivity. It will also capture transit and travel time data from transportation agencies and passenger information platforms, including Google Maps, to determine ease of travel between locations and identify underserved areas.
2. Network-wide travel demand model
The model will collect travel data from location-based services and GPS-enabled apps and convert it into an origin-destination matrix format. It will analyze ridership data from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to analyze travel patterns and identify high-footfall areas.
3. Route Network Design
Using the developed model, IIT-Delhi will design an efficient route network for Mohalla buses. It will include AI/metaheuristics-based routing algorithms that will be able to handle variable passenger loads, maximize coverage and ensure route feasibility and user experience. The algorithm will consider user experience factors including existing transit networks, travel demand, operational constraints and normalized costs compared to driving.
4. monitoring
After route design, IIT-Delhi will also assist the Delhi Transport Department in monitoring the routes. Realtime data collection and analysis will be important in this.
5. Inclusive and grounded approach
Apart from leveraging AI, the Delhi government is also using inputs from area MLAs, local people and data collected during a 30-day comprehensive on-ground assessment by the transport department’s technical team to determine the routes of Mohalla buses.
Let us tell you that Kejriwal government has recently started the trial of Mohalla bus services, which is currently running on two routes. The first is from Pradhan Enclave Pusta to Majlis Park Metro Station, and the second is from Akshardham Metro Station to Paper Market of Mayur Vihar Phase-3.
