Research on Location Optimization of Metro-Based Underground Logistics System With Voronoi Diagram

This paper develops a location optimization method about the metro-based underground logistics system (MULS) to transport freight by metro during off-peak periods. First, we make qualitative and quantitative feasibility analysis of the MULS through questionnaires and field surveys in metro stations. The analysis result shows that more than 85.22% of interviewees support logistics delivery by the metro. An improved $p$ -median model is developed, which considers four influencing factors. The shortest path algorithm is used to minimize the transport costs while the costs of the remaining factors are calculated using the collected data. Then, the Voronoi diagram is adopted to optimize the location of candidate metro stations and redraw the logistics service scope by adding weighted terms. Finally, the Nanjing metro is chosen as a case study to validate the effectiveness of the developed method. The optimization result shows the total cost of the logistics delivery is reduced by 33. 27% suggesting that the method can be used to reduce logistics costs and improve delivery efficiency in urban areas.

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