Passenger Service Level Research Articles

The development of passenger carriage design and passenger service on the railways of India: The end of the 19th – the fi rst half of the 20th century

By the end of the nineteenth century, several dozen railway companies operated in India on intercity routes, including those of several thousand kilometres in length. On both wide and narrow gauge lines, various wagons were operated: from Classes IV and III with almost no amenities (often even without the simplest benches for sitting) and up to luxury Class I coaches and saloon coaches. Almost until the beginning of the twentieth century, when organizing passenger transportation, railway companies focused on a relatively small circle of European colonizers — civil servants, British military and wealthy entrepreneurs, including Indians, and, to a lesser extent, on middle–income Indians, while virtually ignoring the interests of the poorest population groups, which made up the vast majority of Indian society. Based on the above, a fleet of passenger carriages of wide, metre and narrow gauge lines was also formed, while, of course, all technical innovations and improvements related to improving travel comfort were initially introduced in saloon coaches, first-class carriages and, decades later, often in second-class, and then third- and fourth-class carriages. This situation remained almost until India gained independence in 1947. Real improvement began in the 1960s with the renewal of the country’s passenger coach fleet and an increase in the overall level of passenger service, including the second and third classes.

Current and future trends in vertical transportation

In the middle of the 19th century, the invention of a safety device that prevented elevators from falling enabled the construction of tall buildings and skyscrapers. In the middle of the 20th century, control systems started to serve the given calls automatically by relay technology, and later by electro-mechanical systems. In the 1970s-80 s, software-based control systems invaded elevator technology. Passenger service levels improved with the application of mathematical methods such as artificial intelligence. When the old relay boards of the skyscrapers in New York were modernized by software-based group controls, passenger waiting times dropped to less than half. In this millennium, the need to reduce elevator core space has further increased, since a significant number of buildings already exceed 300 m. The challenge in constructing tall buildings is that elevator groups can occupy the rentable area of a building. At the elevator planning stage, elevator core space can be decreased by zoning the building. The latest trends include systems with several elevator cars running in the same shaft. With modern control systems, passenger journey times can be decreased and handling capacity increased. This article deals with mathematical methods used in elevator dispatching problems. Building traffic simulation is utilized to search for an elevator arrangement that saves the most space in an example building. The design criteria of the ISO 8100–32 standard are used in selecting the elevator arrangements.

КОМПЛЕКСНА ОЦІНКА ЯКОСТІ НАДАНИХ ПОСЛУГ ПАСАЖИРАМ ЗАЛІЗНИЧНОГО ТРАНСПОРТУ, ЯК СТРАТЕГІЧНИЙ ІНСТРУМЕНТ ДЛЯ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ЕКОНОМІЧНОГО УСПІХУ ЗАЛІЗНИЧНИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ

The article addresses the important issue of assessing service quality in the railway passenger transport sector. The author of the article tackles this problem by developing and proposing a modified methodology for evaluating the quality of passenger transport services by rail. The main goal of the research was to determine an integrated indicator of service quality using an economic-mathematical model. The article provides a detailed description of the essence and peculiarities of the developed methodology, highlighting key aspects of assessing the quality of railway passenger transport services. Special attention is paid to the analysis and determination of the advantages of the proposed approach compared to existing methodologies, particularly in the selection of indicators for assessing the quality of railway passenger transport services. The features of service quality assessment at three key stages: before the trip, during the trip, and after the trip, are discussed, taking into account the specifics of railway transport. The obtained results allow determining an integrated indicator reflecting the overall level of passenger service at all stages. The elucidation of the peculiarities of the proposed methodology and its effectiveness in the context of railway transport allows the author to draw reasoned conclusions about the level of passenger service and identify directions for further research in this area. The developed methodology opens up new opportunities for collecting and analyzing data on the quality of passenger service in railway transport, contributing to further optimization and improvement of passenger transportation by «Ukrzaliznytsia».

A Time Series Decomposition and Reinforcement Learning Ensemble Method for Short-Term Passenger Flow Prediction in Urban Rail Transit

Short-term passenger flow prediction (STPFP) helps ease traffic congestion and optimize the allocation of rail transit resources. However, the nonlinear and nonstationary nature of passenger flow time series challenges STPFP. To address this issue, a hybrid model based on time series decomposition and reinforcement learning ensemble strategies is proposed. Firstly, the improved arithmetic optimization algorithm is constructed by adding sine chaotic mapping, a new dynamic boundary strategy, and adaptive T distribution mutations for optimizing variational mode decomposition (VMD) parameters. Then, the original passenger flow data containing nonlinear and nonstationary irregular changes of noise is decomposed into several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) by using the optimized VMD technology, which reduces the time-varying complexity of passenger flow time series and improves predictability. Meanwhile, the IMFs are divided into different frequency series by fluctuation-based dispersion entropy, and diverse models are utilized to predict different frequency series. Finally, to avoid the cumulative error caused by the direct superposition of each IMF’s prediction result, reinforcement learning is adopted to ensemble the multiple models to acquire the multistep passenger flow prediction result. Experiments on four subway station passenger flow datasets proved that the prediction performance of the proposed method was better than all benchmark models. The excellent prediction effect of the proposed model has important guiding significance for evaluating the operation status of urban rail transit systems and improving the level of passenger service.

Pareto Optimization of Energy-Saving Timetables Considering the Non-Parallel Operation of Multiple Trains on a Metro Line

In light of reducing train operation energy consumption while maintaining the passenger service level for creating sustainable urban rail transit systems, we address a non-parallel train timetabling problem considering regenerative braking energy utilization and the non-parallel operation of multiple trains on a metro line via a newly proposed multi-objective timetable (MOT) optimization model and an evolutionary algorithm based on NSGA-II. The optimization objectives of the MOT model are to find satisfactory energy-saving timetables on the Pareto frontier by minimizing the total travel time of passengers and minimizing the net energy consumption of trains. An improved multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on NSGA-II is constructed to generate the optimal arrival and departure times at each station for each train running in a non-parallel operation mode. This study tests the feasibility of the proposed optimization method via an empirical case using the data collected from the Yizhuang Line of the Beijing metro systems in China. The simulation results show that the proposed optimization method satisfies both the energy utilization and passenger service levels along a Pareto front. The MOT improves the overall effectiveness of regenerative braking energy utilization by 29.88% in comparison with the original timetable; it reduces the net operation energy consumption by 44.86% relative to the travel-oriented timetable (TOT); and it reduces the total passenger travel time by 27.18% compared with the energy-oriented timetable (EOT).

A line planning approach based on time-varying demand for high-speed rail under the combined operation of periodic and aperiodic services

Passenger demand for high-speed rail systems is highly fluctuating in temporal and spatial throughout the day. In order to effectively improve passenger satisfaction and service level for high-speed rail, the formulation of line plan must make the distribution of the trains’ capacities be meet with the time-varying demand of passengers. The aperiodic line plan can well meet this demand since it is more flexible with different stop patterns and various headways. However, the irregular arrival/departure times are not convenient for travel planning. We propose a new type of line plan that would combine both the regularity of the periodic line plan and the flexibility of the aperiodic ones. An optimization method of high-speed railway line plan based on a combination of periodic and aperiodic operation is structured, which can well satisfy the temporal-spatial distributions of passenger demands in different time periods. The main challenge is to coordinate the numbers of periodic and aperiodic trains, and their temporal-spatial distributions on the rail network considering the passengers’ train-choice decisions. Based on generating a set of candidate routes and constructing a passenger travel network, we propose a model to optimize the numbers of both periodic and aperiodic trains, and their paths, stops, approximate arrival and departure times at each visited stations for minimizing the total operation cost of trains and the total generalized travel cost of passengers. Then, a simulated annealing algorithm is designed to efficiently solve our proposed optimization model. Finally, numerical experiments based on the Shanghai-Nanjing intercity railway in China verify the effectiveness and practicability of the optimization method.

THE DECISION SUPPORT FACILITATING THE CHECK-IN SERVICE AT THE CHOPIN AIRPORT WITH THE USE OF COMPUTATIONAL EXPERIMENTS IN SIMIO

Airlines strive to minimize the waiting time for passenger service at the airport. Modification of the passenger service process at check-in stands can be carried out by modelling and then simulating various scenarios in order to obtain time benefits. The organization of service for departing passengers is the most complex system, which includes numerous maintenance activities aimed at preparing them and their luggage for transport by aircraft. Therefore, this article aims to present a few scenarios to improve the passenger service process. Based on the research, assumptions were made for each check-in scenario. Then, the models were implemented in the SIMIO simulation program. In the next step, the passenger distribution for individual desks was modified and a comparison was made with the level of passenger service defined by International Air Transport Association (IATA). The simulation results for individual scenarios are presented and the benefits to be achieved after introducing the proposed changes are indicated. The simulations carried out showed 2 important elements in the current and proposed layout of the ticket and luggage service stations and the introduction of changes to the baggage desks. Article presents the specification of the time spent in the system and waiting in the queue. The conducted analyses have shown that the proposed concept will allow for taking over 40% of passengers using the adjacent Fast Bag Drop (FBD) stands. Research has shown that adding more machines for use will fully cover the demand for FBD. The conclusions presented in the article are valuable when introducing modernization of the passenger and baggage handling process. For future researches, it would be beneficial to test other simulation tools and other scenarios to compare these results with those presented in this article.

Overview Of Passenger Service Standards Above Kmp. Siginjai Lintas Jepara – Karimunjawa Based On Pm 62 Year 2019 In Central Java Province

Central Java Province is located at 5°40' – 8°30' South Latitude and 108°30' – 111°30' East Longitude. The area reaches 32,548 km² or 25.67 percent of the land area of Java-Madura. The furthest distance from west to east is 263 kilometers and from north to south 226 kilometers (excluding Karimunjawa island). Central Java is bordered by the Indian Ocean and DI Yogyakarta in the south, West Java Province in the west, East Java Province in the east, and the Java Sea in the north. The province of Central Java also includes Nusakambangan Island in the south, and the Karimunjawa Islands in the Java Sea. In order to create services that are in accordance with the level of passenger service, analysis is neededusing the method of conformity level of minimum service standards for passengers with existing conditions. Based on this analysis, it can be concluded that there are variables that are still lacking in the services of several ferry transportations such as:Information and Safety Facilities that are easily visible and affordable are not yet available in the form of health workers, stretchers, and inadequate first aid kits, the absence of passenger service facilities, not yet available proper temperature control facilities, passenger toilet facilities according to needs, no breastfeeding mother room facilities, no wheelchair special room facilities and special room facilities for wheelchair users

Formation of a system for ensuring the quality of services of public transport enterprises

Methods. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study is the works of leading domestic and foreign scholars, methodology and system-wide principles of conducting comprehensive scientific research. Among the specific research methods used in the work are: abstract and logical – to study the development of the problems and generalize the conclusions; theoretical generalization – in the process of disclosing the essence of the category «quality of service»; observation, comparative advantages, economic analysis, grouping and comparison – to study indicators, tools and factors of development of transport enterprises; the method of groupings – in deepening the general classification of the system of ensuring the quality of services of public transport enterprises. Results. The key aspects of strategic planning, resource allocation and systematic analysis of the performance of a transport enterprise are identified. The indicators that ensure the improvement of the quality of services and the tools for ensuring the system of management of the transport enterprise performance are identified. The factors and conditions influencing the organisational and economic components of ensuring the quality of services of public transport enterprise have been allocated, as well as the factors of internal and external environments of influence on the studied components have been identified. An organisational and economic model for improving the quality of services of transport enterprise has been formed, which is a set of measures, strategies and approaches aimed at improving the level of passenger service and optimising economic processes in the activities of public transport enterprise. Based on the research, an integrated approach has been determined, which covers a number of measures and strategies aimed at improving passenger service and optimising economic processes to improve the quality of services of a public transport enterprise. Novelty. In the course of forming a system for managing the efficiency of a transport enterprise, an organisational and economic model for improving the quality of services of a transport enterprise has been developed, which is a set of measures, strategies and approaches aimed at improving the level of passenger service and optimising economic processes in the activities of a public transport enterprise. Practical value. The article offers guidelines for effective management of transport activities, which cover key aspects of strategic planning, resource allocation and systematic analysis of efficiency, aimed at improving the quality of services and improving the level of passenger service and optimising economic processes in the activities of public transport enterprises.

Estimation of annual volumes of public transportation in a city

Problem. The task of determining the annual volumes of public transportation in a city is relevant when addressing almost any issue related to processes in the field of public transport, as it provides decision-makers with data on the actual state of passenger traffic on the routes. These data reflect the current operating conditions of carriers and the level of passenger service and thus present the extent to which public transport is fulfilling its primary task of providing transportation for the population. Goal. The goal is development of a methodology for calculating annual passenger transportation volumes based on a sample tabular survey of urban routes. Methodology. The paper presents a methodology for transitioning from passenger transportation volumes obtained based on field observations of public transport operations to annual transportation volumes. The reliability of the forecast can be improved by estimating probabilistically the boundaries of the interval of possible values of the on-time traffic volume and accepting the lower boundary of the interval as a guaranteed estimate of the desired value of the traffic volume with a given probability. Results. A methodology has been developed that allows predicting the annual volume of passenger transportation by urban transport based on sample observations. It allows you to estimate the guaranteed volume of public transportation in the city for a year with a given probability, which provides the customer with additional information when forecasting the annual volume of public transport work based on the average value. Originality. The presented methodology consists of the new transition method from sample daily volumes of passenger transportation to total annual volumes. Practical value. Forecasting the volume of the passenger transportation is the most influential component in setting tariffs for transportation services. The developed methodology allows obtaining the required values of annual volumes with a high degree of accuracy, based on actual transportation volumes, and is of practical interest to local authorities.

Factorial Design with Simulation for the Optimization of the Level of Service in the Platform-Train Interface of Metro Stations—A Pilot Study

Metro stations are considered complex areas of pedestrian mobility due to the increasing congestion, due to the a high level of demand of different circulation spaces. Given this situation and the limited physical spaces remaining to develop transport systems in urban areas, railways acquire greater relevance given the need to mobilize pedestrians. Within the stations, the most problematic area is the platform-train interface (PTI) due to the high number of interactions between passengers boarding and alighting. The objective of this study is to identify the PTI configuration that maximizes the level of service for passengers, safeguards the operational continuity of the system and improves user experience by reducing dissatisfaction and delay times. For this, a pedestrian microsimulation model is used in order to recreate the reality of a generic metro station and its different scenarios given the combinations of two factors: the platform configurations (topology) and the traffic control elements. Subsequently, these scenarios are analyzed through a factorial design, looking for the situation that optimizes the combination of metrics chosen in a weighted way. Finally, it is found that the PTI configuration that maximizes the level of service for users is the mixed station with signaling. It is this which includes the factors with the greatest positive effect on the chosen metrics.

Collaborative optimization of last-train timetables for metro network to increase service time for passengers

Last-train timetables are significant in metro systems and directly influence transportation organization efficiency and passenger service levels. This study focuses on the collaborative optimization of last-train timetables for a large-scale metro network. Different from most studies, which often focus on improving the ability of passengers to transfer between different metro lines (transfer accessibility) during the last-train period, or the ability of passengers to reach their destinations after boarding the last train service from the origin station (origin-destination (OD) accessibility), this work aims to optimize the latest time for passengers (LTP) to reach their destinations using the metro services. A mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model is established to optimize the last-train timetables with maximizing LTPs. For comparison, two MILP models respectively aim at maximizing transfer accessibilities and OD accessibilities, are adopted as benchmarks. An improved genetic algorithm based on Q-learning (QGA) is developed to solve the proposed MILP models for optimizing last-train timetables for a large-scale metro network. The proposed method is validated by optimizing the last-train timetable of the metro network of Chengdu, China. The results indicate that compared with optimizing the transfer and OD accessibilities, optimizing LTPs can consider both single-line and multiple-line passenger benefits, and directly increase their accessibilities and feasible times to use the metro service.

Timetable synchronization optimization in a subway–bus network

The subway and bus together contribute to the structure of public transport network in a metropolis. However, integrated service of public transport is not satisfied due to the lower timetable synchronization between these two modes at transfer stations. In this paper, a double-layer public transport network composed of subway/bus lines and stations is first created. Then, two stages are included in the timetable optimization process. In the first stage, a user equilibrium assignment model and a capacity restriction iterative algorithm are employed to obtain the passenger distribution in the subway–bus public transport transfer network. Based on this distribution, with the consideration of the synchronization and section service level, a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model is applied to optimize the timetables of the subway and bus networks in the second stage. Computational results using real Automatic Fare Collection System (AFC) data from the public transport system in Beijing are reported, and these results show that the suggested model is efficient in improving passenger service levels.

Economic analysis of passenger transport at polish airports before and during the Covid-19 pandemic

The subject of the article is the economic analysis of passenger transport at polish airports before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Air transport is considered as an integral part of polish transport system, which significantly increased the dynamism of service development, after joining the European Union by Poland. Along with the globalization of production and international economic exchange, the demand for efficient communication between airports is increasing. During the initial phase of the pandemic, the passenger transport had stopped altogether and afterwards was significantly weaker compared to the times prior to the pandemic. It was caused by the closure of borders and partial suspension of transport connections. One of the key tasks for airports is the provision of passenger service at the appropriate level. The level of passenger service can be considered satisfying his needs in terms of quality, punctuality, comfort and reliability. Important issues in ensuring the appropriate quality of service is the possibility for the passenger to choose more than one airport, as well as the profit from non-aviation activities. One of the most important factors influencing the passenger service process is the activity of air carriers, staff and management of the airport, as well as services located within the airport. As a consequence of spreading the coronavirus (COVID-19) worldwide and the actions taken by the authorities, the demand for international traveling at polish airports ceased to exist at the time. The article presents an economical analysis of passenger transport before and during the pandemic.

Optimization method of urban rail train operational plan based on O-D time-varying demand

PurposeUnder the constraints of given passenger service level and coupling travel demand with train departure time, this study optimizes the train operational plan in an urban rail corridor to minimize the numbers of train trips and rolling stocks considering the time-varying demand of urban rail passenger flow.Design/methodology/approachThe authors optimize the train operational plan in a special network layout, i.e. an urban rail corridor with dead-end terminal yard, by decomposing it into two sub-problems: train timetable optimization and rolling stock circulation optimization. As for train timetable optimization, the authors propose a schedule-based passenger flow assignment method, construct the corresponding timetabling optimization model and design the bi-directional coordinated sequential optimization algorithm. For the optimization of rolling stock circulation, the authors construct the corresponding optimization assignment model and adopt the Hungary algorithm for solving the model.FindingsThe case study shows that the train operational plan developed by the study's approach meets requirements on the passenger service quality and reduces the operational cost to the maximum by minimizing the numbers of train trips and rolling stocks.Originality/valueThe example verifies the efficiency of the model and algorithm.

Застосування статистичних методів наукових досліджень при обстеженні пасажиропотоків міського автомобільного транспорту

The purpose of the paper is to propose scientific and methodological approaches to the generalization of passenger flow survey methods, the formation of the route transport network of the city, the calculation of the required type and number of rolling stock of passenger road transport, the formation of a list of preferential routes. The paper examines applied aspects of the application of the theory of urban passenger transportation in relation to transportation by means of passenger road transport of the city (PRTC). The main concepts of the theory of urban passenger transport and the issue of interaction between urban passenger transport and the city being served are analyzed on the basis of system concepts. An analysis of the main factors that affect the quality of planning, control and regulation of passenger road transport in the transport systems of cities has been carried out. Aspects of the theory of urban transport systems and design calculations of passenger transport by road are also considered. The research was carried out by the formation of new scientific and methodological approaches and scientific argumentation proposed on the basis of numerous works of domestic and foreign scientists in the field of passenger transportation organization. Research method are mathematical statistics and modeling. The solution to the tasks of urban transport service is divided into two main complexes: the design of urban transport systems, and the organization of urban transport traffic. To form an optimal or rational route network, as well as to effectively use rolling stock and ensure a high level of passenger service, it is necessary to know the directions, sizes and degree of unevenness of passenger flows, the specific values of which are established during certain surveys. When surveying passenger flows, it is necessary to obtain reliable data in order to use them in solving problems of improving the quality of passenger service. But when choosing a survey method, it is necessary to take into account the complexity of the method and the costs of its implementation.

Public transport path choice estimation based on trip data from dedicated smartphone app survey

Having access to realistic and empirically grounded passenger valuations of public transport trip components facilitate the undertaking of necessary trade-offs during planning of transport networks. Discrete choice estimation of path choice preferences is a practical way to obtain such preferences. This paper proposes a new take on the empirical foundation of path choice estimation based on revealed choices by introducing trip data for full activity-based ‘door-to-door’ public transport trips collected from a dedicated survey application for smartphones. Choice probabilities were modelled based on an explicitly generated choice set, where the public transport trip parts were generated using a branch-and-bound approach. Results in terms of estimated preferences are comparable to those based on conventional surveying methods and suggest significant premiums for paths involving public transport stops with an elevated level of passenger service as well as differences in preferences across population groups.

Assessment of level of service for access and dispersal facilities in a railway terminal

Indian Railways has one of the most extensive rail systems in the world which covers 68,000 km of rail track, 7318 stations with over 23 million passengers daily. This public transport system is one of the cheapest modes of travel for millions of Indians daily. With such an extensive system in place, railways need to maintain an efficient infrastructure system; it is expected passengers handling to reach 15.20 Billion by FY20, passenger traffic is noted to grow by 1.69 percent year on year. With such a kind of growth in patronage, it profoundly impacts the existing infrastructure. Thus, a constant upgrade is required in infrastructure. This research study focuses on NSG-1 (Non – Suburban Stations) taking New Delhi station as a case study. The research study is based on the level of service for access and dispersal facilities of the passengers. This paper will analyze the optimum level of service for passengers based on their behavior in a terminal building. This study identifies Equivalent Passenger Units (EPU’s) from passenger behavior and anthropometric studies. EPU’s further is used to evaluate the level of services for the passenger's mobility in the terminal building. Access and Dispersal facilities have been studied for the case study station, and influence zones are created for the same. The outcome of the study is the space assessment. The methodology can be used to identify the optimum level of services for different categories of the railway station. The space planning norms can be generated and then can be used by consultants for efficient planning of brownfield and greenfield stations at the optimum design service level.

Metro Train Operation Plan Analysis Based on Station Travel Time Reliability

The train operation plan plays an essential role in metro systems and directly affects transportation organization efficiency and passenger service level. In metro systems, passengers have paid more attention to the travel time reliability (TTR), reflecting the reliability of metro operation management. This article proposes an analysis method of train operation plan based on TTR in the station dimension. First, an automated fare collection (AFC) data-driven framework is established to calculate the station travel time reliability (STTR) and analyze the train operation plan at different periods. The framework structure consists of four steps: AFC data preprocessing, STTR calculation and assignment, clustering algorithm design based on SOM neural network, and train operation plan analysis and optimization. Second, the proposed method is applied to the Beijing metro network as a case study. Several promising results are analyzed that allow the optimization of the existing train operation plan. Our research shows that STTR is a good supplement for the existing metro operation assignment studies, which can help analyze and optimize the train operation plan effectively. This study is also applicable to other metro networks with AFC systems.

Agent-Based Optimizing Match Between Passenger Demand and Service Supply for Urban Rail Transit Network With NetLogo

Both passenger demand and service supply are among the most important factors that determine the performance of urban rail transit system. It is not easy to find out optimal solution for the match between the passenger demand and service supply with traditional methods, due to the complexity of the combinatorial intelligent supply - demand matching problem. In order to get the comprehensively optimal matching degree, this paper transforms the multi-criteria problem into the distributed artificial intelligence optimization by using multi-agent dynamic interaction technique. On the demand side, the dynamic passenger traffic demand with agents is modelled from perspective of boundedly rational travel decision. On the supply side, the dynamic service supply of train traffic with agent is modelled. The headway time is designated as the main decision variable, for the key link between the passenger demand and service supply is the headway time in different time-of-day intervals. To make the passenger demand more closely matched with service supply in urban rail transit network system at the reasonable travel cost and operational cost, the calculation formula for matching degree is proposed, along with the distributed system architecture for agent-based matching mechanism, and the negotiation-based iterative mechanisms for balancing. The proposed methods are validated on the simulation platform NetLogo. The simulation results emphasize the importance of representing the supply side and the demand side jointly/interactively. These findings are meaningful for policies on both development of efficient capacity usage strategies of urban rail transit network and provision of high level of service for passengers.