The modeling of attraction characteristics regarding passenger flow in urban rail transit network based on field theory.

Man Li,Limin Jia,Yanhui Wang,Xiaolei Ma

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0184131

Abstract

Aimed at the complicated problems of attraction characteristics regarding passenger flow in urban rail transit network, the concept of the gravity field of passenger flow is proposed in this paper. We establish the computation methods of field strength and potential energy to reveal the potential attraction relationship among stations from the perspective of the collection and distribution of passenger flow and the topology of network. As for the computation methods of field strength, an optimum path concept is proposed to define betweenness centrality parameter. Regarding the computation of potential energy, Compound Simpson’s Rule Formula is applied to get a solution to the function. Taking No. 10 Beijing Subway as a practical example, an analysis of simulation and verification is conducted, and the results shows in the following ways. Firstly, the bigger field strength value between two stations is, the stronger passenger flow attraction is, and the greater probability of the formation of the largest passenger flow of section is. Secondly, there is the greatest passenger flow volume and circulation capacity between two zones of high potential energy.

Highlights

Urban rail transit(URT) has become people’s first choice due to its convenience, efficiency and safety
For the purpose of a comprehensive analysis of the potential attraction and space-time distribution characteristics of passenger flow, this paper has introduced a new concept of the gravity field of passenger flow and proposed the computation methods of field strength and potential energy from the perspective of topological attributes and flow attributes of the network
This paper offers a computation method of betweenness centrality based on the optimum path as the key parameter of field strength, with the simultaneous verification of the optimum path through the employment of OD matrix

Summary

Introduction

Urban rail transit(URT) has become people’s first choice due to its convenience, efficiency and safety. A networked operation in URT has taken place in some international metropolis such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Tokyo, with the scale of passenger flow increasing and a congestion forming in a continual way, especially in rush hours. Taking Beijing as an example, the subway lines has reached 19 by the end of 2016, with the mileage of 574km. The increasing correlation among stations and lines has led to an increasing complexity in the characteristics of passenger flow change. 4 large stations, including Dawanglu Station, Xierqi Station, Dongzhimen Station, and Beijing Railway Station, are more liable to form congestion. The reasons are that these stations have served as transfer ones and there are usually apartment buildings, office buildings and shopping malls around them

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Methods

Conclusion