EURO 2025 Leeds
Abstract Submission

1520. Optimizing shift assignments for tramway operations: a mixed-integer linear programming approach to generate fair and efficient solutions on large scale instances.

Invited abstract in session MC-7: Mathematical Programming in Scheduling, stream Scheduling and Project Management.

Monday, 12:30-14:00
Room: Clarendon GR.01

Authors (first author is the speaker)

1. Nathan Lainé
Data & Optimization, Artelys

Abstract

Shift assignment is a critical challenge for public transport operators, impacting both operational efficiency and workforce well-being. To enhance working conditions while maintaining high service quality, the Parisian public transport system operator RATP Group collaborated with Artelys to develop an optimization-based shift assignment module for tramway operations. This module efficiently allocates shifts (driving shifts, shifts related to passenger information, flow channeling, …) and time-offs using a mixed-integer linear programming approach. The case study highlights how Artelys leveraged a decomposition technique to generate fair and efficient assignments, enhancing both workforce well-being and operational performance in large-scale (assignments on a year for hundred agents) multi-objective scenarios (fairness between agents and multiple well-being criteria). Implemented with FICO XPRESS, this solution demonstrates how optimization can significantly improve manual assignment processes, offering valuable insights for transport planning and workforce management.

Keywords

Status: accepted


Back to the list of papers