Multi-objective Optimal Location of Roadside Stations
Roadside stations in Japan are expected to function not only as rest facilities but also as places for regional exchange, tourism information, and disaster response. Yet their development has largely proceeded according to local needs, and it has not always been clear where and how many facilities should be provided from a wider regional perspective. This research reconsiders roadside stations as social infrastructure and analyzes their desirable locations through mathematical optimization.
A station that is convenient for nearby residents is not always the same as one that is easy for long-distance road users to stop at. Likewise, the requirements of everyday convenience are different from those of emergency backup functions during disasters. We therefore formulate the problem as a multi-objective location problem that simultaneously accounts for different users and different roles.
The analysis shows that the preferred configuration depends on which role is emphasized, while also demonstrating that a better overall balance can be achieved by considering multiple objectives together. It also suggests that performance can be improved substantially through strategic relocation of only part of the existing stock, rather than by rebuilding the entire system from scratch. In this way, the study reframes roadside stations as infrastructure supporting both regional life and mobility.
