Working out an incomplete cyclic train timetable for high-speed railways by computer

Abstract

This paper on computer-based train timetables is from the proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Computer System Design and Operation in Railways and Other Transit Systems, held in Beijing, China, in 2010. The authors note that cyclic train timetables as a popular mode of train operation have been used for many years in European railways, especially in high speed railways (hereinafter referred to as ‘HSR’). However, in China, most studies on the train timetables of HSR still follow the traditional mode. The authors analyze the characteristics of Chinese HSR, then propose an incomplete cyclic timetable mode that would be suitable for the Chinese railroads. They discuss characteristics of the system and the process of working out incomplete a cyclic train timetable, focusing on four main issues. First, they analyze the proportion of trains that can be operated cyclically in terms of the technical condition and passenger flow of each HSR in order to determine the structure of the timetable. Then the existing model is improved to solve the problem more precisely and practically. According to the travel demand of passengers, the principles and technologies of inserting non-cyclic train paths into cyclic train paths is developed. And finally, they discuss how the seasonal fluctuation of passenger flow results in more non-cyclic train paths. The ways to balance the dis-accord in different periods to keep the operation efficient are also considered. The authors propose system using VC++ that incorporates these four issues in its functions and working process, based on inputting the solution of the model. They test their model using the Beijing-Shanghai HSR as an example to show the feasibility of the incomplete cyclic timetable and the practical value of the system.