Two-Stage Multiclass Modeling Approach for Intermodal Rail-Road Transport Networks

Abstract

In this paper, a two-stage modeling framework is proposed to represent the route choices and dynamics of two classes of traffic flows, namely passengers and freight, in a large-scale intermodal transportation network. More in details, the transport modes considered in this model are road transport, represented through a highway network, and rail transport. The methodology adopted in this work relies on a multi-class intermodal assignment model combined with a multi-class intermodal dynamic model. The proposed modeling scheme can be adopted for different purposes, such as to support decision makers who intend to utilize the full mobility capacity of a geographical area by allocating the mobility demand on different modes or by suggesting intermodal itineraries also when the network is affected by disruptive events. The proposed framework has been tested on a benchmark network with the aim of showing the mutual relations that occur between different modes of transport in case a connection of the intermodal network fails. Specifically, the analysis reported in the paper shows that the collapse of a railway arc can cause a high increase in travel times for some highway arcs, which result 30-40% higher than in the pre-disruption scenario, and an even greater growth in the average occupancy of many arcs.