Minimising the travel time on congested urban rail lines with a dynamic bi-modelling of trains and users

Abstract

User assignment models in transit networks are relevant for the planning of new lines but less relevant for management. Other types of models are used for management, which is very efficient for the simulation of supply but less efficient for the simulation of users, who nevertheless influence train traffic on urban railway lines. This paper proposes to use a combined train and passenger simulation model on a railway line to propose line management solutions in order to minimise the passenger travel time. An application of this method on line 13 of the Paris subway network, shows how the relationship between frequency and dwell-time impact the railway traffic. Precisely, the current frequency of the line associated with a maximum dwell time of the 40s minimise the travel time. These optimal time conditions correspond to significant congestion in the line’s train traffic.