Abstract
A major problem connected with planning the organization of trains on a railway network is the optimization of the scheme of movement, which determines the routing and the number of trains. In this paper, an integrated approach of fuzzy linear programming method and multi-criteria analysis including three steps is proposed. In the first step, we defined the schemes of transportation of intercity trains and optimized each scheme in terms of direct operating costs by taking into account the uncertainty of passenger flows and utilization of train capacity using the fuzzy linear programming method. In the second step we determined the additional technological criteria to assess the variant schemes. The Fuzzy AHP method was applied to determine the weights of criteria. Using the results obtained from Fuzzy AHP, we prioritized the variant schemes of transportation by applying the PROMETHEE method. The third step presents the optimal choice of transportation of trains on a railway network based on minimum ratio of normalized costs and normalized PROMETHEE net outranking flow. In this step, the model uses the results obtained in the first and second steps. The practicability of the integrated approach is demonstratedthrough the case study of Bulgaria’s railway network, and nine schemes were investigated. The model results and the real situation were compared. It was found out that the optimal scheme of intercity train transportation improves the service and reduces direct operating costs.
Highlights
An intercity transport scheme on a railway network includes the train routes, number of trains on each route, and composition of the trains
This integrated approach is applied to the railway network of Bulgaria in order to investigate the transport scheme of intercity trains
In addition to the existing two categories of intercity trains in Bulgaria – faster (TC3) and accelerated fast trains (TC2) – we have studied another category of intercity trains – the so called direct (TC1) trains
Summary
An intercity transport scheme on a railway network includes the train routes, number of trains on each route, and composition of the trains. It is important for railway operators to determine the optimal parameters of the organization of intercity trains taking into consideration the operating costs. Realization of such services does not always satisfy the needs and requirements of passengers. An important task for passenger transport organization in a railway network is to determine the optimal scheme of movement of intercity trains. To satisfy passenger requirements and utilize the capacity of the rail operator for organization of intercity rail transport, it is necessary to examine the different quantitative and qualitative criteria which affect the choice of transport scheme for intercity trains on a railway network. To deal with the variability of passenger flows and train capacity utilization, they can be presented as fuzzy variables
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
