Optimization of Periodic Train Schedule with Flexible Train Composition during Off-Peak Periods for Urban Rail Transit
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering, Part A: Systems
Volume 150, Issue 10
Abstract
Focusing on the insufficient passenger demand during off-peak periods in urban rail transit, a new train operation mode with flexible train composition considering trains couple/decouple at intermediate stations is proposed. An optimized two-phase nonlinear model is formulated in order to design a periodic train schedule, where train headways remain constant over a specific period. This model takes into account the flexible train composition. The objective function aims to minimize total passenger waiting time and train operating costs while considering constraints such as maximum line passing capacity, passenger flow demand, and the number of train units in the composition. Linearization techniques are applied to convert nonlinear constraints into linear equivalents, and the CPLEX solver is employed to solve the model. An illustrative real-case example is presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed model. The results demonstrate that the operation mode with flexible train composition during off-peak periods offers significant advantages over traditional train composition modes, including single train routes, long-short train routes, and multiple train compositions. This mode enables better alignment between passenger demand and capacity, reduces operating costs, and enhances passenger service levels. The proposed operation mode is particularly suitable for urban rail transit lines with low passenger demand but requiring high passenger service, such as suburban lines or common lines during off-peak periods.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This study is jointly supported by the Guangdong Junior Innovative Talents Project for Ordinary Universities (2023KQNCX070), Shenzhen Technology University Graduate School Enterprise Cooperation Research Fund Project (20233108010008), Shenzhen Science and Technology Program (NJCYJ20210324121203008), and Shenzhen UAV Test Public Service Platform and Low-altitude Economic Integration and Innovation Research Center (29853MKCJ202300205).
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Transportation Engineering, Part A: Systems
Volume 150 • Issue 10 • October 2024
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Feb 11, 2024
Accepted: Apr 25, 2024
Published online: Jul 19, 2024
Published in print: Oct 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Dec 19, 2024
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Architectural engineering
- Buildings
- Facilities (by type)
- Infrastructure
- Passengers
- Public transportation
- Rail transportation
- Railroad stations
- Railroad trains
- Structural engineering
- Structures (by type)
- Terminal facilities
- Transportation engineering
- Transportation management
- Urban and regional development
- Urban areas
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