Using the Genetic Algorithm for the Optimization of Dynamic School Bus Routing Problem-Figure 7. Application main form which includes route, bus stops and GA parameters

<p>For this study, the school bus routes within the Ankara Province were used as case studies. The school bus routes were recorded by using the Android application and instantaneous GPS monitoring method. The home address of each student was taken as a stopping point. At the end of each route, the distances between the beginning and end points were recorded. After transferring the obtained route data into the database, the ill-adapted points were eliminated. By means of the developed application, the existing school bus routes are dynamically optimized using GA. It was developed both as a mobile and desktop application. &nbsp;Using Android- based mobile software, the information regarding GPS locations of bus stops and school buses is transferred to the server on a real-time basis. Using the desktop software, where GAs are run, these coordinates are shown on a Google map, and the most suitable route is produced and sent to the school bus via server. This method provides the opportunity to dynamically reflect certain factors such as a different initial point for the school bus, some students being absent from the school on a particular day, and eventual changes on the existing roads on the route production process.</p>