SCSC2003 Abstract S5305
Simulation of the Shuttle-Bus Pilgrim Transportation System Between the Holy Shrines of Hajj
Simulation of the Shuttle-Bus Pilgrim Transportation System Between the Holy Shrines of Hajj
Submitting Author: Dr. Hussam Soliman
Abstract:
The shuttle-bus transportation system in Al-Nafrah phase of the annual Islamic pilgrimage, Hajj, relies on using dedicated two-way exclusive bus lanes between the holy Makkah sites of Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina. Shuttle buses are currently being used successfully to transport one category of pilgrims during Al-Nafrah which consists of more than 150,000 pilgrims out of a total of more than 2 million pilgrims that come to Makkah each year. Before committing more resources for further expansion of the project, Saudi government agencies in charge of this project, supervised by the Ministry of Hajj, would like to revise the current experiences gained from this project, study the lessons learned after six years of application, and understand any constraints or shortcomings associated with it. In this paper, a detailed description of the current shuttle-bus transportation system in Al-Nafrah will be given. Next, a conceptual model of this system will be constructed. This model wi
ll then be translated into a simulation model using the Arena simulation system. The simulation model is verified and validated using actual performance data collected during the last Hajj season (February 2002). The simulation model will then be used to conduct a series of experiments designed with the goal of achieving a better understanding of the key system characteristics and identifying any inherent limitations in the system. This understanding should contribute to better decisions aimed at achieving more efficient operation of the system, and better planning for future expansions of the shuttle-bus project.
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