Bus Operations Optimization: A Literature Review on Bus Holding, Rescheduling and Stop-skipping

In this literature review, we systematically review studies on public transit control with a specific focus on bus operations. In our synthesis of the relevant literature, we consider three perspectives: (1) the mathematical models of the proposed methodologies; (2) their complexity; (3) their applicability
in real-time operations; and (3) their advantages/disadvantages considering their practical implications. The reviewed dynamic control methods include bus holding, rescheduling, and stopskipping. Dynamic control methods, that have attracted more attention in recent years due to the advancements in automation and data availability, try to alleviate the negative effects of service
disruptions. However, dynamic transit control tends to improve the service regularity and the operational costs at the expense of certain groups of riders. Identified problems are the inconvenience of onboard passengers when a bus is held at a stop, the long waiting times of "stranded" passengers in the case of stop-skipping, and the "sliding" of the crew and vehicle schedules in the case
of rescheduling. All those critical issues are discussed and future research directions are drawn considering the complexity of the mathematical models for dynamic control and their practical implications.