Tram Network Modeling for Optimizing Timetable

Compared with heavy rail transit systems that have exclusive right-of-way, most trams share right-of-way with other traffic flow at intersections. The method of making operation diagram for traditional rail transit system is not fully applicable to tram systems. Therefore, during the process of generating the operation diagram of trams, a solution based on in-depth study is proposed in this paper for describing trams passing through the intersections. This paper aims to reduce the stop delay of trams at intersections by adjusting travel speed and dwell time. A heuristic algorithm is developed to circumvent the complexity of the solution for the problem described. Finally, the optimization model is applied to a real-world case in Shenzhen, China. The results show that the efficiency and stability of tram vehicles is improved with application of an optimization model. The feasibility of the optimization model is verified by selecting the appropriate evaluation indexes.