Simulation Model for Estimating Train Operation to Recover Knock-on delay Earlier

Abstract

Small irregularities in service are leading to significant delays in the urban railway system of Tokyo, Japan, because the rail system is now operating very close to its capacity. The delay factor, however, varies by hour. The increase in train running time becomes the major cause of delay during peak periods because this has become longer than that of dwelling time. However, there is limited data availability concerning the behavior of train under the delay. So, the delay time increase due to interaction between trains is not properly accounted for. No research has yet been carried out to specifically examine a feasible operating method which can recover the knock-on delay early under high frequency operation. Therefore, this research formulated a train operation simulation model which reproduces the behavior of train operation. The simulation model is taking into account the interaction between the trains. Using the simulation model, this study attempts to understand the actual situation of train operation under the knock-on delay. Finally, this paper suggests a practical method to recover the knock-on delay earlier, which involves keeping a moderate separation between trains during running time.