Efficient planning for demand-driven public transport in rural areas remains a complex challenge. This thesis focuses on designing a route-planning algorithm that integrates NeTEx flex and NeTEx timetable standards. You will develop a proof of concept that meets operational demands and strict business rules, aiming to create practical and scalable solutions for sustainable public transport systems.

💡Areas of Interest: Public transport, flexible routing algorithms, software development, architecture, data exchange protocols

This graduation assignment is part of the Sustainable Public Integrated Transport Solution (SPITS) graduation project. With this project, we are committed to providing travelers with the ideal travel experience solution, making public transport much more accessible, and significantly more sustainable.

This thesis concerns an issue relevant to the Dutch public transport sector. In sparsely populated areas, demand-driven transport is increasingly replacing fixed bus lines. This approach enables operators to offer public transport in a more cost-effective and sustainable way. However, creating an efficient transport schedule for such systems remains a challenge.

Currently, established standards exist for flexible transport (NeTEx flex) and regular timetables (NeTEx timetable). Yet, integrating these standards into a cohesive system for planning and advising on demand-driven transport solutions is still an unresolved problem. Existing methods fail to meet both operational requirements and specific business rules within these standards. Suggested routes are inefficient: they often support only shared transport or demand-driven options at either the beginning or end of a journey and they struggle to seamlessly combine the needs of multiple travelers.

The Assignment

Design and develop a route-planning algorithm that leverages the NeTEx flex and NeTEx timetable standards to generate transport advice for demand-driven public transport. The solution must comply with predefined business rules and demonstrate its feasibility through a proof of concept (PoC). Your research will focus on aligning these standards in a practical, scalable, and efficient way, with the ultimate goal of improving sustainable and flexible transport operations.

About Info Support

Info Support specializes in custom software, data/AI solutions, management, and training and is active in the Finance, Industry, Agriculture, Food & Retail, Mobility & Public, and Healthcare sectors. We provide solid and innovative solutions for complex and critical software issues. Our headquarters are located in Veenendaal (NL) and Mechelen (BE). At present, approximately 500 employees are employed by Info Support.

Info Support's working method is characterized by a number of core values: solidity, integrity, craftsmanship, and passion. These core values are intertwined in our work and the way we interact with each other.

To ensure that all employees are always up to date with the latest developments, Info Support has an in-house knowledge center that eagerly satisfies the hunger for more or different knowledge and skills.

B2 language proficiency in Dutch is required.