Passenger Rail Network Research Articles

A quantitative methodology for justification of platform edge protection systems on passenger rail networks

The implementation of appropriate platform edge protection systems (PEPSs) is a vital consideration in modern rail platform design to reduce injuries caused at the platform-train interface. This work presents a commercially tried and tested methodology for assessing the practicability of implementing PEPSs based on statistical analyses in combination with an As-Low-As-Reasonably-Practicable (ALARP) assessment, to assist in the justification of asset application viability. By extrapolating fatality-weighted injury data relating to the inclusion or non-inclusion of PEPSs, a safety risk model predicts changes in injury statistics to establish a quantified safety impact. The economic cost analysis identifies the operational expenditure for PEPSs throughout their lifecycle along with the capital expenditure and any impacts on the operational railway. The outcomes from these analyses are combined to produce a ratio of safety and operational benefits to capital and operational cost which is scrutinised against a designated disproportionality factor to establish suitability for use.

Incorporating Rail Potential and Equity Analysis into Market Analyses for Rail Investments: A Case Study of the Link21 Program in Northern California

This paper presents an innovative approach for conducting market analyses for major rail investments. The approach considers which locations have the greatest potential to repay investment support and/or benefit specifically from the investment in the form of potential rail riders and the factors that could influence their decision to travel by rail. It is guided by an overarching commitment to equity with an emphasis on identifying potential benefits to communities that have been marginalized. The approach is applied to a case study of the Link21 program, a transformational investment in the Northern California passenger rail network that is focused on a new transbay passenger rail crossing between San Francisco and Oakland. The analysis found there is significant unmet potential for transbay rail ridership across the Northern California megaregion, with the greatest unmet potential found in and around San Francisco and Oakland, specifically in locations with a poor or no rail service. Although much of the potential for new riders centers around transbay travel, the Link21 program could also benefit non-transbay trips and riders. Ultimately, new transbay rail infrastructure and services will create more opportunities for accessible, direct, faster, or less crowded trips across the megaregion. These findings illustrate the value of the innovative market analysis approach as follows: it serves as an objective foundation for developing investment alternatives; and it influences the findings of the analysis and the development of alternatives by emphasizing the importance of serving communities that have been marginalized.

The relationship between freight and passenger train noise levels and distance on the Sydney Metropolitan Rail Network across 281 measurement sites

Transport for NSW undertakes noise monitoring at a range of distances and locations around the NSW Government-managed rail network. The monitoring quantifies noise levels from freight and passenger train operations and informs delivery of noise reduction programs including the Transport for NSW’s Freight Noise Attenuation Program, which was launched in 2015. Comprehensive noise monitoring over a typical period of two weeks has been undertaken at 281 representative locations adjacent the passenger and freight rail network around Sydney. Results were analyzed to determine the LAE noise levels from each freight and passenger train passby, and the average weekday LAeq(15hour) daytime and LAeq(9hour) night-time levels. Curves of best fit are presented that illustrate the relationship between freight and passenger train noise levels and the distance to the near track. These curves of best fit can be utilised by Government agencies and acoustic practitioners to quantify the potential noise impact of freight and passenger train operations at a range of distances and locations close to the NSW Government-managed rail network and identify appropriate noise mitigation measures.

Freight transport using additional railcars attached to intercity passenger trains with transshipment and railcar circulation: Tabu-search-based Lagrangian heuristic

Developing under-exploited passenger rail networks is emerging as an alternative for freight transport. In light of this, we investigate a long-haul freight mode in which additional railcars for carrying shipments are attached to passenger trains, and the shipments can transfer among the trains at intermediate stops. To coordinate space–time schedules of shipments and railcars, we construct a two-level space–time network: one level captures the departure, transshipment, and arrival of shipments; whereas the other level depicts the holding, reshuffling, and repositioning of railcars. Incorporating variables of space–time arc selection and constraints concerning shipment (un-) loading, locomotive pulling capacity, supply–demand coupling, and flow conservation on networks, a binary integer model is established to minimize the total travel cost of both railcars and shipments. The primal problem is decomposed using Lagrangian relaxation. Lagrangian multipliers and dual bounds are approximated by solving the Lagrangian dual. We devise a primal heuristic based on tabu search for expediting high-quality solutions. Numerical experiments demonstrate computational performance and managerial insights.

Dynamic revenue management in a passenger rail network under price and fleet management decisions.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10479-023-05296-4.

A robust ant colony metaheuristic for urban freight transport scheduling using passenger rail network

This paper considers a promising alternative for freight transport using urban passenger rail networks. It addresses a freight rail transport scheduling problem (FRTSP), which is one of the key operational issues to integrate freight into passenger transport in urban areas. In this paper, we develop a robust ant colony optimization (ACO) metaheuristic to tackle large-size instances. Taguchi method is used to set control parameters to make the algorithm robust. Computational results clearly highlight the proposed ACO algorithm’s capability of yielding near-optimal solutions in short computation times, even in large-size instances. They also show that the proposed algorithm dominates classic ACO variants, even when the parameters of these variants are also set using Taguchi method.

An effective and robust genetic algorithm for urban freight transport scheduling using passenger rail network

This paper considers freight transport in urban areas using passenger rail networks as an eco-friendly alternative to current predominantly fossil-fueled trucks. It addresses one of the essential problems, called freight rail transport scheduling problem (FRTSP), where the objective is to minimize the total waiting time of the parcels at their departure stations which is equivalent to minimizing the space occupancy at the stations and maximizing the turnover of the freight transport. In this paper, we focus on designing an effective and robust method to solve the FRTSP. For this purpose, a genetic algorithm is proposed whose performances, as it is widely known, highly depend on the length of chromosomes and control parameters. In this genetic algorithm, the length of chromosomes is reduced owing to a mathematical formulation with fewer integer decision variables representing a parcel-to-train assignment. We prove that as long as a parcel-to-train assignment is known, it takes a polynomial time to check whether this assignment can lead to a feasible solution and, if yes, solve the remaining problem by transforming it into computing the longest distances in a digraph. This result makes it possible to only consider parcel-to-train assignment variables in chromosomes, while efficiently determining the values of the other variables in fitness evaluation. In order to achieve robustness regarding all instances, the control parameters of the genetic algorithm are set with Taguchi method. Computational results show that the method developed in this way is very effective. For small-size instances, it yields optimal solutions within considerably shorter computation times than a commonplace optimization solver does. For large-size instances, it outperforms such a solver, not only providing much higher-quality solutions but also consuming much shorter computation times. This method thus meets very well operational requirements where high-quality solutions are expected while computation time is very limited.

A methodology to optimise a rail network specification for maximum passenger satisfaction and reduced initial investment

This paper considers the design and construction of new passenger rail networks – a common and expensive task worldwide. Optimising the allocation of initial investment between components of a proposed network is a challenge for planners who wish to reduce the initial investment required whilst maintaining key objectives, such as providing high levels of passenger satisfaction. Previous decision support tools to assist with this challenge typically do not consider the influence of the high-level network specification on passenger satisfaction. Here, a novel optimisation methodology is presented that includes the effects of various factors, e.g. permissible line-speed, train performance, train comfort, and station comfort. The methodology combines Agent-Based Modelling, Bayesian Optimisation, and a model which quantifies passenger experience. To demonstrate its effectiveness, the methodology is illustrated in a hypothetical case-study where it identifies a network specification which substantially improves the satisfaction of the virtual passengers. Furthermore, the network specification reduces the modelled cost of network construction by £5 billion from £64 billion. The case-study demonstrates that the methodology is computationally tractable for realistically sized tasks, and captures the trade-offs between investment and component performance, making it potentially useful to network planners concerned with the satisfaction of passengers.

Facilitating Investment Flows: Evidence from China’s High-Speed Passenger Rail Network

This paper investigates how transportation networks shape firms’ geographic footprint by reducing information asymmetry associated with distant investments. Exploiting the staggered expansions of China’s passenger high-speed rail (HSR) network, we document that the amount of intercity investment between a pair of cities increases by 45% with the introduction of an HSR line connecting them. We enhance the causal inference by applying high-dimensional fixed effects, and focusing on non-nodal city pairs that are “accidentally” connected when two different parts of the HSR network are connected. Consistent with the monitoring hypothesis, we observe the strongest effect for controlling stakes in large investments.

Urban freight transport using passenger rail network: Scientific issues and quantitative analysis

This paper addresses a real-life problem arising in the ongoing “Grand Paris” project. We investigate an environment-friendly urban freight transportation alternative using passenger rail network, by providing a decision support tool for decision makers to assess the technical feasibility, the impact on services to passengers, the needs in infrastructure and hence in investment. We identify relevant scientific issues that need to be addressed in this topic at strategical, tactical and operational levels. Then we focus on the Freight-Rail-Transport-Scheduling Problem which provides valuable information to and constitutes a basis for other related problems. This problem is first formulated into a MIP. We prove its NP-hardness and hence propose a heuristic based on dispatching rules and a single-train-based decomposition heuristic. The performances of these heuristics are evaluated via employing a discrete-event simulation approach, which also provides a general framework which supports decision-makers in modelling and evaluating the dynamics of such a system for various alternative solutions under various scenarios.

Future Parking Demand at Rail Stations in Klang Valley

Klang Valley, Malaysia is currently undergoing a massive development of rail transportation system expansion where the current integrated rail transit system will see new extensions of two MRT lines and an LRT line by year 2020. By year 2017, the first MRT line will be ready to run with 31 new rail stations connected to the current passenger rail network. The existing Park and Ride facilities in Klang Valley are commonly known as being unable to sufficiently cater for the current parking space demand. Therefore, with the expansion of many additional rail stations which are rapidly under construction, there are doubts that the future parking space at rail stations will be able to accommodate the sudden rise of rail passengers. Although the authorities are increasing parking bays at various locations, will the future parking demand at rail stations be sufficient? This paper studies the factors influencing parking demand in terms of population, car ownership, new car registrations and passenger rail ridership and estimating the future parking demand using Linear Regression method. Result shows that the forecasted parking demand at rail stations after the implementation of the first new MRT system in 2017 is 2.7 times more than in 2014.

Analysis of the Possibilities of Using “Light Freight Railway” for the Freight Transport Implementation in Agglomeration Areas (Example of West Pomerania Province)

The article presents the concept of using self-propelled railway sets, as a system to increase the share of rail transport in total freight transport. The area taken into considerations is the West Pomerania Province, including in particular the Szczecin Metropolitan Area.Considerations taken in the article arise directly from the author's previous publications, including the developed feasibility study on the opening of the passenger rail network (Szczecin Metropolitan Railway) on the designated area, fully integrated with other forms of passenger transport - organized and individual. Modernization of the railway infrastructure assumed in the study may also constitute the potential for the future development of rail freight transport in the region - in the form of the “Light Freight Railway”.

Railroad Track Transitions with Multidepth Deflectometers and Strain Gauges

Railway transitions such as bridge approaches experience differential movements related to differences in track system stiffness, track damping characteristics, foundation type, ballast settlement from fouling or degradation, as well as fill and subgrade settlement. Identification of factors contributing to this differential movement and developing design and maintenance strategies to mitigate the problem are imperative for the safe and economical operation of both freight and passenger rail networks. Findings are presented from an ongoing research study at the University of Illinois that focuses on the instrumentation and performance monitoring of railroad bridge approaches with multidepth deflectometers. Sensors installed at the selected approaches are introduced, and details of the instrumentation activity are explained. Track settlement data acquired over time are presented to compare the contributions of different substructure layers with the permanent deformation accumulation. Similarly, transient track deformation data gathered under dynamic train loading are analyzed to quantify the contribution of individual track substructure layers to the total transient deformations. Finally, a new approach is presented; it quantifies the support conditions under instrumented ties and assesses the percentage of the wheel load carried by the instrumented tie. Instrumentation of track transitions with multidepth deflectometers has been shown to quantify the contributions of substructure layers to track settlement adequately. In the bridge approaches instrumented with multidepth deflectometer technology, the ballast layers appear to be the primary source of accumulation for both permanent and transient deformations.

Potential Impacts on Accessibility and Consumer Surplus of Improvements of the European Railway System

It is widely accepted that “transport infrastructure endowment influences competiveness of a Region; the provision of investment in transport infrastructure entails positive effects on productivity and growth, even if on the other side, heavy infrastructures (as railway lines) could affect negatively on the environment” (5th Cohesion Report, 2010). This article aims to explore the potential impact of improvements of the passenger rail network in order to evaluate how these could potentially increase accessibility and consumer surplus in EU regions; it summarizes the results of the model simulations carried out with a combination of the TRANSTOOLS rail network and the assignment module of Traffic Analyst.Three different scenarios have been tested by changing speeds on the whole network. The post-processing analysis has been carried out with utilities developed in Matlab, while the results for each zone (at NUTS3 level) have also been reported in easy-to-read ArcGIS maps. The outcomes provide insight into how the demand for passenger rail transport would react and where the highest benefits and costs, in terms of accessibility and consumer surplus gains, can be expected. This information, in turn, can be useful for the prioritization of investment needs and the identification of parts of the rail passenger market where new demand may be generated.

Implementation of a personalized workplace smoking cessation programme

Providing smoking cessation programmes through workplaces is an effective method of assisting employees to quit smoking; however, few employers provide such services, and achieving long-term success remains challenging. To evaluate the effectiveness of a workplace-based tailored smoking cessation programme that combined telephone-based counselling with group behaviour therapy sessions in helping employees to quit. A smoking cessation programme was offered to employees of a large corporation that is respons ible for the passenger rail network in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Two hundred and thirty participants enrolled in the programme, which offered telephone-based coaching and group sessions designed around cognitive behavioural therapy principles. One hundred and eight participants (47%) completed the 6 month follow-up assessment. Of the estimated 2850 smokers in the organization, 8% (230) registered for the smoking cessation programme, with 77% (176) participating in telephone-based coaching and/or group sessions. Intention-to-treat analysis indicated 22% of participants achieved 7 day point prevalence abstinence and 10% achieved 3 month prolonged abstinence at the 6 month follow-up. Over 75% of those still smoking at follow-up reported intentions to quit in the next 6 months. Psychological distress was also significantly lower at 6 month follow-up. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the programme. The smoking cessation programme successfully assisted employees to quit smoking. Unique aspects of the programme such as continuity of care were valued by participants and may have contributed to the programme's success.

Investigation of differential movement at railroad bridge approaches through geotechnical instrumentation

Railway transitions experience differential movements due to differences in track system stiffness, track damping characteristics, foundation type, ballast settlement from fouling and/or degradation, as well as fill and subgrade settlement. This differential movement is especially problematic for high speed rail infrastructure as the ‘bump’ at the transition is accentuated at high speeds. Identification of different factors contributing towards this differential movement, as well as development of design and maintenance strategies to mitigate the problem is imperative for the safe and economical operation of both freight and passenger rail networks. This paper presents the research framework and initial instrumentation details from an ongoing research effort at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Three bridge approaches experiencing recurrent geometry problems were instrumented using multidepth deflectometers (MDDs) and strain gages to identify different factors contributing to the development of differential movements.

New approaches to strategic urban transport assessment

Most transport assessment is generally based on incremental analysis of individual projects with pre-existing planning and political support. Unfortunately, this approach to transport decision-making is unlikely to result in cities being able to meet a comprehensive range of desired urban objectives on a broader-scale over time. Project analysis is generally based on benefit-cost analysis and intermediate metrics (vehicle kilometres travelled, time savings and road user costs). But additional metrics and attributes may be needed to assess goals and performance relating to broader transport outcomes in a metropolitan region and its society, environment and economy. ‘Higher level’ strategic urban transport analysis offers the opportunity of a more strategic platform for metropolitan region-wide transport policy discussion, assessment, planning and network improvements. It may also assist to demonstrate mass transit, walking and cycling's unique opportunities to contribute to better city futures through economic development, sustainability, and lifestyle improvements. In the realm of mass transit, improvements can be delivered by targeted changes in policy, infrastructure and network enhancements, improved service characteristics, better network utilisation, and stronger system financial performance. Performance of passenger rail networks, corridors and proposals is a substantial research focus, but improvements to rail over time should ultimately be reflected in a wider set of outcomes and measurables. This paper reviews established literature and research on transport analysis approaches, to identify key performance indicators at an urban or metropolitan level, metrics on the utilisation and effectiveness of rail mass transit, accessibility indicators, and a handful of broader social, economic and environmental performance indicators.

Case studies of successful train crew scheduling optimisation

UK has a large and complex passenger rail network divided into a number of franchises. Crew scheduling, one of the last stages of operations planning before services go live, is mission critical to...

Use of Passenger Rail Infrastructure for Goods Movement

As demand for freight movement rises, so does truck traffic. In turn, traffic congestion, harmful emissions, maintenance costs, and accidents increase. One alternative to truck transport of goods is mixed-goods service on passenger rail networks, a concept that offers several benefits to the involved parties. These benefits include additional revenue for rail operators, more reliable travel times, reductions in harmful trucking externalities, and more efficient usage of existing facilities. As a case study, the use of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system in California for FedEx Express cargo movement is examined. FedEx Express was selected because the company's major hub is located at Oakland International Airport (OAK). To analyze the potential costs and benefits of BART mixed-goods service, two alternatives are compared against the status quo of truck-only transport. The first alternative assumes minor capital investment; the second assumes far greater capital investment, including a jointly operated BART–FedEx facility at OAK. Truck vehicle miles traveled (VMT), FedEx Express operating costs, BART operating costs, and carbon dioxide emissions are determined for the status quo and each alternative. Analysis shows that given sufficient demand, mixed-goods service can be profitable for passenger rail systems, cost-effective for air freight carriers, and highly effective in reducing truck VMT and associated externalities.

FREIGHT TRAIN ROUTING AND SCHEDULING IN A PASSENGER RAIL NETWORK: COMPUTATIONAL COMPLEXITY AND THE STEPWISE DISPATCHING HEURISTIC

In many countries, freight trains have to share a rail network with passenger trains. In this paper, we consider a situation where passenger trains must adhere to a strict published schedule, whereas freight train movements can be inserted at any convenient time, without disrupting scheduled passenger trains. We propose an algorithm for the problem of routing and scheduling of a single freight train in a passenger rail network. However, the multiple freight train routing and scheduling problem is shown to be NP-complete, even for simplified instances. Specifically, we show that both routing and scheduling of freight trains are difficult, even when only two freight trains are considered. It is also difficult when freight train movements are restricted to reach their destinations with no idling permitted at intermediate stations. We have developed a Stepwise Dispatching Heuristic for routing and scheduling multiple freight trains in a passenger rail network. Computational results confirm the efficacy of our algorithm for single freight train routing and of the proposed Stepwise Dispatching Heuristic.