Genetic Algorithm with Path Relinking for the Orienteering Problem with Time Windows

Abstract

The Orienteering Problem with Time Windows (OPTW) is an optimisation NP-hard problem. This paper proposes a hybrid genetic algorithm (GAPR) for approximating a solution to the OPTW. Instead of a crossover we use a path relinking (PR) strategy as a form of intensification solution. PR generates a new solution by exploring trajectories between two random solutions: genes not present in one solution are included in the other one. Experiments performed on popular benchmark instances show that the proposed GAPR gives good quality solutions using short computing times. Moreover, GAPR gives new best solutions for some test instances.