Abstract
The success of businesses today is largely dependent on their ability to find solutions to complex problems they encounter. Vehicle selection, which requires considering many objective and subjective criteria, is at the top of these problems. The tramway selection problem of a company operating in the public transport sector in Turkey is discussed in this study. The company wants to increase passenger carrying capacity and renew its vehicle fleet. For this purpose, it has to choose from eight alternative vehicles with different superior features. Considering the high costs that may arise from wrong selection, it becomes clear how important it is to use the right method to solve the problem. In this study, the evaluation criteria were determined by taking the opinions of experts first. Then, weights were assigned to the criteria using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). In the last stage, the best alternative has been tried to be determined by using grey relationship analysis (GRA). It is common to use more than one method to test the reliability of the results in solving multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems. In this study, multi-objective optimization, based on ratio analysis (MOORA), which is one of the most preferred methods to solve MCDM problems, was used to test the accuracy of the results. Although various MCDM methods are used in the literature to solve similar problems, the use of grey relationship analysis has not been encountered. With this aspect, this study has expanded the application of grey theory and made an important contribution to the literature. Another important contribution of the study is that the evaluation criteria for the tramway selection problem have been determined with the help of experts. Finally, this study presents a scientific approach to the solution of a complex real-life problem.

Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.References
Abhang LB, Hameedullah M (2006) Determination of optimum parameters for multi-performance characteristics in turning by using grey relational analysis. Internat J Adv Manuf Technol 28:450–455. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-011-3857-6
Bali O, Kose E, Gumus S (2013) Green supplier selection based on IFS and GRA. Grey Syst Theory Appl 3(2):158–176. https://doi.org/10.1108/GS-04-2013-0007
Brauers WKM (2013) Multi-objective seaport planning by MOORA decision making. Ann Oper Res 206(1):39–58. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-013-1314-7
Brauers WKM, Ginevicius R (2009) Robustness in regional development studies: the case of Lithuania. J Bus Econ Manag 10(2):121–140. https://doi.org/10.3846/1611-1699.2009.10.121-140
Brauers WKM, Zavadskas EK (2006) The MOORA method and its application to privatization in a transition economy. Control Cybern 35(2):445–469
Cao X, Deng H, Lan W (2015) Use of the grey relational analysis method to determine the important environmental factors that affect the atmospheric corrosion of Q235 carbon steel. Anti-Corros Methods Mater 62(1):7–12. https://doi.org/10.1108/ACMM-10-2013-1308
Das CM, Pandey A, Mahato AK, Singh RK (2019) Comparative performance of electric vehicles using evaluation of mixed data. Opsearch 56:1067–1090. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12597-019-00398-9
Delcea C (2015) Grey systems theory in economics – a historical applications review. Grey Syst Theory Appl 5(2):263–276. https://doi.org/10.1108/GS-05-2015-0018
Ertugrul İ, Oztas E, Ozcil A, Oztas G (2016) Grey relational analysis approach in academic performance comparison of university: a case study of Turkish universities. Euro Scientific J ESJ 12(10):128–139. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2016.v12n10p%p
Goyal S, Grover S (2012) Applying fuzzy grey relational analysis for ranking the advanced manufacturing systems. Grey Syst Theory Appl 2(2):284–298. https://doi.org/10.1108/20439371211260243
Janic M (2003) Multicriteria evaluation of high speed rail, Transrapid Maglev and air passenger transport in Europe. Transp Plan Technol 26(6):491–512. https://doi.org/10.1080/0308106032000167373
Kose E, Kabak M, Aplak H (2013) Grey theory based MCDM procedure for sniper selection problem. Grey Syst Theory Appl 3(1):35–45. https://doi.org/10.1108/20439371311293688
Kose E, Vural D, Canbulut G (2020) The most livable city selection in Turkey with the grey relational analysis. Grey Syst Theory Appl 10(4):529–544. https://doi.org/10.1108/GS-04-2020-0042
Kuo Y, Yang T, Huang G (2008) The use of grey relational analysis in solving multiple attribute decision-making problems. Comput Ind Eng 55(1):80–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2007.12.002
Liu S, Lin Y (2003) An introduction to grey systems: foundations, methodology and applications. Kybernetes 32:4. https://doi.org/10.1108/k.2003.06732dae.008
Liu S, Lin Y (2006) Grey information theory and practical applications. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-84628-342-6
Liu H, Weng W, Zhang Q (2012) Multi-objective location-routing problem of reverse logistics based on GRA with entropy weight. Grey Syst Theory and Appl 2(2):249–258. https://doi.org/10.1108/20439371211260216
Mahmoudi A, Javed SA (2019) Grey multiple criteria decision making methods: a literature review. ICSES Trans Neural Fuzzy Comput 2(2):1–13. https://doi.org/10.31424/icses.itnfc
Moccia L, Allen DW, Bruun EC (2018) A Technology selection and design model of a semi-rapid transit line. Public Transport 10:455–497. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12469-018-0187-1
Moccia L, Allen DW, Laporte G (2020) A Spatially disaggregated model for the technology selection and design of a transit line. Public Transport 12:647–691. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12469-020-00250-0
Saaty TL (1987) The analytic hierarchy process - what it is and how it is used. Math Model 9(3–5):161–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/0270-0255(87)90473-8
Saaty TL (2001) Fundamentals of the analytic hierarchy process. In: Schmoldt DL, Kangas J, Mendoza GA, Pesonen M (eds) The analytic hierarchy process in natural resource and environmental decision making managing forest ecosystems. Springer, pp 15–35. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-9799-9_2
Saaty TL (2008) Decision making with the analytic hierarchy process. Int J Services Sci 1(1):83–98. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSSCI.2008.017590
Tosun N (2006) Determination of optimum parameters for multi-performance characteristics in drilling by using grey relational analysis. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 28:450–455. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-004-2386-y
Vuchic V (2006) Urban transit: operations, planning, and economics. J Reg Sci 46(3):566–568. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9787.2006.00453_2.x
Żak J (2011) The methodology of multiple criteria decision making/aiding in public transportation. J Adv Transp 45(1):1–20. https://doi.org/10.1002/atr.108
Żak J (2017) Multiple-criteria and group-decision making in the fleet selection problem for a public transportation system. Trans Res Proc 27:43–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2017.12.102
Żak J, Kurek D (2020) Multiple criteria evaluation of trams based on customers’ specifications (expectations) in selected countries. Trans Res Proc 47:696–703. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2020.03.149
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Canbulut, G., Köse, E. & Arik, O.A. Public transportation vehicle selection by the grey relational analysis method. Public Transp 14, 367–384 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12469-021-00271-3
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12469-021-00271-3