Passenger Rail Service Research Articles

Investigating the market share convergence and welfare potentials of asymmetric train access charges for the commercial passenger rail services

A recent market liberalisation of commercial passenger rail services since 2020 has brought a new era for long-distance transport in the EU. However, drawing from the experiences of countries with unsuccessful entry attempts, we investigate the effects of asymmetric train access charges (TAC). Asymmetric access regulation is based on lower access charges for entrants than for incumbents for a limited period in order to induce convergence of railway undertakings' (RU) market shares. Intending to compare the effects of symmetric and asymmetric TAC, we model oligopoly competition in the number of offered seats between the incumbent (Inoui) and entrant (Trenitalia) on the Paris–Lyon line, the first case of asymmetric TAC regulation on railways. In the first year of competition, consumer surplus, entrant's profit, and total welfare without infrastructure manager's profit increased with asymmetric TAC compared to symmetric TAC without discounts. As the discount for entrant diminishes over time, all previous welfare elements monotonically decline. By introducing new departures and running double trainsets, the entrant can reverse this monotonically declining trend. This implies that asymmetric TAC should provide additional incentives for entrants to increase their frequency and number of offered seats.

Reconsidering screening thresholds in health assessments for obstructive sleep apnea using operational and safety incident data

The rail industry in Australia screens workers for probable obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to known safety risks. However, existing criteria to trigger screening only identify a small proportion of workers with OSA. The current study sought to examine the relationship between OSA risk and rail incidents in real-world data from Australian train drivers, and conducted a proof of concept analysis to determine whether more conservative screening criteria are justified. Health assessment (2016–2018) and subsequent rail incident data (2016–2020) were collected from two passenger rail service providers. Predictors included OSA status (confirmed no OSA with a sleep study, controlled OSA, unknown OSA [no recorded sleep assessment data] and confirmed OSA with no indication of treatment); OSA risk according to the current Standard, and OSA risk according to more conservative clinical markers (BMI threshold and cardiometabolic burden). Coded rail safety incidents involving the train driver were included. Data were analysed using zero-inflated negative binomial models to account for over-dispersion with high 0 counts, and rail safety incidents are reported using Incidence Risk Ratios (IRRs). A total of 751 train drivers, typically middle-aged, overweight to obese and mostly men, were included in analyses. There were 43 (5.7%) drivers with confirmed OSA, 62 (8.2%) with controlled OSA, 13 (1.7%) with confirmed no OSA and 633 (84.4%) drivers with unknown OSA. Of the 633 train drivers with unknown OSA status, 21 (3.3%) met ‘at risk’ criteria for OSA according to the Standard, and incidents were 61% greater (IRR: 1.61, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.02–2.56) in the years following their health assessment compared to drivers who did not meet ‘at risk’ criteria. A more conservative OSA risk status using lower BMI threshold and cardiometabolic burden identified an additional 30 ‘at risk’ train drivers who had 46% greater incidents compared to drivers who did not meet risk criteria (IRR (95% CI) 1.46 (1.00–2.13)). Our more conservative OSA risk criteria identified more workers, with greater prospective incidents. These findings suggest that existing validated tools could be considered in future iterations of the Standard in order to more sensitively screen for OSA.

Determinants of irregular demand for regional rail passenger services – case study of High Tatras in Slovakia

AbstractThe demand for public transport by tourists increases significantly in tourist-attractive destinations. This is in addition to regular passengers commuting to school and work. The level of irregular demand is influenced by several factors related to the characteristics of the day of the week, the period of the year, and the current weather. The main goal of the paper is to verify which factors most influence the irregular demand for transport in a tourist-attractive area to ensure operational planning of public passenger transport. Thanks to this, it is possible to ensure sufficient capacity and, at the same time, the efficiency of the operation of public passenger transport. The paper analyzes the main determinants of the irregular demand for regional public rail passenger transport in the High Tatras region of Slovakia. Multiple linear regressions were used to model the number of irregular passengers. The variables representing the day of the week, the attractiveness of the period, and the holiday were found to be the most significant. The variables describing the weather such as maximum daily temperature, precipitation, clouds, and wind had less influence. The obtained mathematical models for forecasting the irregular demand for public passenger transport can help optimize the timetable’s operational setting and the train sets’ size.

ROBIN: Rail mOBIlity simulatioN

The use of simulators is frequent in the study of complex systems. They replicate a real system and allow obtaining data from the simulated process as well as providing a mathematical model that helps answer What If? questions. This opens up the possibility of evaluating laboratory environment techniques and processes that will later be implemented in the real system. Competitive passenger rail services are complex systems. The efficient design of market mechanisms that encourage competition to offer more and better services requires analytical tools on which to test these new policies. This makes it essential to develop a simulator, as real and complete as possible, to carry out this analysis. This paper presents the development of a microscopic simulator, called ROBIN (Rail mOBIlity simulatioN), to simulate rail mobility in a competitive regime. The developed simulator is parameterizable and general enough to simulate passenger flows in competing railway systems. The tests carried out with ROBIN using the Spanish railway market as a case of study are proof of its usefulness, allowing disaggregated modelling of passenger behaviour and their travel choices in a competitive railway market.

The Importance of Rail Transport for Transport Services in Peripheral Areas

Abstract This article focuses on the evaluation of the importance of passenger rail transport for transport services in peripheral areas. The term peripheral area is defined, and the different types of peripheral areas and their characteristics are listed. Based on the analysis of these areas in the Czech Republic, the authors generally divide passenger rail transport services in peripheral areas into three categories according to the route of the railway line within the peripheral areas and towards the centre. The authors set out the most important criteria to assess the importance of individual line categories for transport services in peripheral areas. Based on the SWOT analysis and using the TOWS matrix, specific strategies and proposals are presented to address passenger rail services in the peripheral area. The aim of this article is to evaluate the importance of rail transport in peripheral areas using the criteria selected by the authors.

Challenges in the (Re-)Connection of Peripheral Areas to the Rail Network from a Rolling Stock Perspective: The Case of Germany

Currently, in the course of the German mobility transition, an increasing number of disused rail lines are already being or intended to be reactivated in order to increase capacities, decrease transport-related emissions and reconnect rural areas to passenger rail services, thus creating a more comprehensive rail service. However, the use of state-of-the-art regional railcars on old rural infrastructure often leads to problems since they are often worn out and do not meet today’s technical standards. This applies, for example, to the axle loads and dimensions of the vehicles but also to operational aspects, such as the vehicle’s passenger capacity and accessibility. First, this work gives an overview of the available rolling stock and the given infrastructure, as well as an analysis of the (system) interfaces. Subsequently, various challenges for the re-connection of peripheral areas to the rail network were identified through data research and comparison of the vehicle and infrastructure parameters. In addition, the requirements related to possible autonomous operation and the related absence of the driver and crew personnel in the vehicle, which require new solutions in terms of safety, were taken into consideration. Orientation of future rolling stock generations towards the existing infrastructure and the required transport needs, including lower axle loads, accessibility and smaller capacities, can contribute to the economic operation of low-capacity lines and bring more passengers to public transport.

Will the latest British reforms to rail passenger service procurement work?

In the 1990s Great Britain embarked on one of the most radical railway reforms undertaken anywhere in the world, with full vertical separation and privatisation of all aspects of the railway and the introduction of competition throughout the sector. However, since then Britain's railways have been plagued with multiple problems, most notably a failure to control costs, as well as multiple franchise failures and problems with developing sensible timetables, with consequent impacts on train performance. Multiple attempts to reform the initial model have failed and in 2018/2019 a fundamental review was undertaken which culminated in the publication of the Williams–Shapps plan for rail which proposes a major step back towards vertical integration with the establishment of a new government owned organisation to take charge both of infrastructure and services, although the latter will be operated by private companies under concessions. This paper reviews the reasons behind the problems experienced by Britain's railways – which led to the review – before setting out the proposed reforms and discussing whether they might solve the problems and what some of the critical success factors might be.

Identifying emissions hotspots and strategies to reduce real-world fuel use and emissions for passenger rail: A spatially resolved approach

The objectives of this work are to model spatially resolved passenger locomotive fuel use and emission rates, locate emissions hotspots, and identify strategies to reduce trip train fuel use and emissions. Train fuel use and emission rates, speed, acceleration, track grade, and track curvature were quantified based on over-the-rail measurements, using portable emission measurement systems, for diesel and biodiesel passenger rail service on the Amtrak-operated Piedmont route. Measurements included 66 one-way trips and 12 combinations of locomotives, consists, and fuels. A locomotive power demand (LPD) based emissions model was developed based on the physics of resistive forces opposing train motion, taking into account factors such as speed, acceleration, track grade, and curvature. The model was applied to locate spatially-resolved locomotive emissions hotspots on a passenger rail route, and also identify train speed trajectories with low trip fuel use and emissions. Results show that acceleration, grade, and drag are the major resistive forces affecting LPD. Hotspot track segments have 3 to 10 times higher emission rates than non-hotspot segments. Real-world trajectories are identified that reduce trip fuel use and emissions by 13 % to 49 % compared to the average. Strategies for reducing trip fuel use and emissions include dispatching energy-efficient and low-emitting locomotives, using a 20 % blend of biodiesel, and operating on low-LPD trajectories. Implementing these strategies will not only decrease trip fuel use and emissions but reduce the number and intensity of hotspots and, thus, lowering the potential for exposure to train-generated pollution near railroad tracks. This work provides insights on reducing railroad energy use and emissions, which would lead to a more sustainable and environmental-friendly rail transportation system.

Users’ Willingness to Ride an Intercity Passenger Rail: A Case Study From Louisiana

Intercity passenger rail services must be designed in a way that users will be willing and able to ride. This study examines potential users’ current travel behaviors and willingness to ride a proposed passenger rail between New Orleans and Baton Rouge in Louisiana, US. By analyzing a user preference survey with discrete choice experiment (DCE), the results show a strong support of the proposed rail service, but distinct deficiencies in the current multimodal transportation environment connecting to and from proposed stations. In addition, previous analyses include potentially faulty assumptions about trip purposes, which have critical implications for service design. The findings of this study reflect the priorities of likely rail passengers and advance efforts to plan for successful passenger rail service operation in Southeast Louisiana. The potential user-based and data-driven approach of this case study can also be used for planning other passenger rail services in the US.

Decarbonising Aotearoa New Zealand’s Aviation Sector: hard to abate, but even harder to govern

Aotearoa New Zealand ranks sixth in the world for total per capita aviation emissions. Our geographic isolation, our globally dispersed families and our large tourism industry make international aviation especially significant. Domestic aviation is also important, in part due to a lack of passenger rail services. We need to decarbonise aviation. Yet, uncertainties of future technologies and responses to prospective policies make it a challenge to prescribe a definite course of action. We suggest that a wide range of policies, including emissions budgets, a sustainable aviation fuel mandate, emissions trading and fuel tax reform, and a rethink of tourism are essential.

Farewell diesel: On the way to climate neutrality using alternative drives and fuels in rail passenger service and rail transport

The biggest challenge facing society is climate protection, so Deutsche Bahn is also planning to become climate-neutral by 2040 – but implementing this is a mammoth task that must and can be tackled today! The electrification of a line from diesel to electric vehicles provides allows for more cost-effective railway operation. However as long as major gaps in the non-electrified network are missing, it will be difficult to achieve further modal shifts to rail and thus to reach climate targets. Alternative drive technologies to achieve climate neutrality are largely available in or scalable for the rail sector: Besides classic alternative drive technologies, such as battery and fuel cell new innovative solutions such as alternative fuels, hydrogen engines and ammonia engines will enrich the market and create new possibilities especially for existing vehicles. There is not one technology that can be used in all applications; each diesel replacement technology has its specific applications and limitations. The remaining 17 years until 2040 are very ambitious, and the challenging economic viability of 'green' measures continues to be the biggest obstacle.

Technical Feasibility Study of Passenger Rail Service along the West Route between Las Vegas and Los Angeles

Technical Feasibility Study of Passenger Rail Service along the West Route between Las Vegas and Los Angeles

ОПТИМИЗАЦИЯ ПАССАЖИРСКИХ ПЕРЕВОЗОК ГОРОДСКИМ ЖЕЛЕЗНОДОРОЖНЫМ ТРАНСПОРТОМ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ ИМИТАЦИОННЫХ МОДЕЛЕЙ

Recently, urban rail transport systems based on the railway network have been actively designed and put into operation. The article discusses the features of organization of urban passenger rail service, provides examples of calculation and optimization of railway junctions using the simulation modeling apparatus.

An integral interval timetable for long-distance passenger rail services: Time to reconsider targeting on-track competition

In the course of introducing an integral interval timetable (IIT), it is possible to induce on-track competition. Regarding punctuality as an essential prerequisite for an IIT, we would not recommend doing so. Regarding overall welfare, the situation is less clear. We model both a route duopoly and a monopoly, and find that in the latter, trains are more punctual and fares are higher. This is because a monopolist is not exposed to intramodal price competition, which may be at the expense of quality in the form of punctuality. Furthermore, a monopolist has a fixed cost advantage when investing in punctuality. If the market is regulated in such a way that rail traffic is maximized, welfare is higher in a monopoly. If such regulation is not binding anyway, this result does not change without it. Otherwise, without regulation, welfare is higher in a monopoly if the lower delay costs overcompensate for the higher fare, so that more passengers travel by train, compared to a duopoly, or if the fact that in the monopoly, there are fewer passengers is overcompensated for by the higher monopoly profit.

Making Regional Railroads More Attractive—Research Studies in Germany and Patronage Characteristics

This article summarizes current research on regional rail passenger service in Germany. The aim of the research was to help rail operators, municipalities along the rail lines, and transportation planners identify the most effective strategies for improving rail service and patronage. The article outlines study contents and purpose and then summarizes the most important study findings. It also presents action and research recommendations. In addition, current rail developments in Germany and methods for increasing patronage and reducing costs with special focus on the separation of infrastructure and operations are described. Finally, patronage data for different rail segments are compared to help determine whether improvement measures should be applied and what impacts they could have on patronage.

New Technological Solutions to Improve Rail Passenger Services Based on the Example of the In2Stempo and ExtenSive Projects of Shift 2Rail

There is a reason why it is said that stations are the business card of railroads. In the IN2STEMPO and ExtenSive projects, re-search work is looking at solutions to improve the passenger experience at stations. This article presents the scope of research carried out within the projects, including the development of more effective tools for crowd management at high-capacity stations, but also on new methods of designing stations and their elements taking into account the latest architectural trends. An important issue is also a problem still troubling the staff of many railroads, that is, improving accessibility from the plat-form to the train. Rail services, by their universality, should take account of the extensive opportunities offered by information technology. This applies to the complete process of passenger service, from purchase of a ticket to arrival at commercial out-lets and the journey itself. The article also outlines the principles of the ExtenSive project, which is a continuation of previous work aimed at developing both passenger applications and software for transport operators, which at the end of the day will enable the provision of transport services of the highest standard. This paper presents the results of the analysis so far on the eve of the projects’ completion, and identifies possible applications of the results of the work carried out. Keywords: rail passenger services, Shift 2Rail, Horizon 2020

Framework Proposal for Solving Problems in Railway Transport During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Since the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on rail transport in the EU. The slowdown in the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has been achieved by reducing the mobility of the population. The reduction in mobility has had an impact on passenger transport performance. The number of national rail passengers fell by as much as 90% during the first wave of the pandemic compared to the previous year. Several operators, especially new carriers, had to close down, while rail freight operators reported a dramatic drop in volumes as many sectors slowed or even stopped production as a result of the pandemic. The second wave of the autumn 2020 pandemic has forced many countries to take further restrictive measures regarding population mobility. The outbreak of the third wave of the pandemic has prevented a rapid recovery in rail transport, especially for passenger rail services. The paper focuses on the analysis of the impact of the pandemic and the measures put in place on the development of transport performance in rail transport in the Slovak Republic during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper proposes operational and organizational measures against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in railway transport in the Slovak Republic.

An alternative regulatory approach for long-distance passenger rail services: An explorative analysis with a focus on Germany

Regulatory efforts to introduce effective intramodal competition to the rail sector, in particular to the long-distance intercity market segment, have so far been only marginally successful in Germany. This stands in stark contrast to some other EU member states such as Italy, Sweden, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Spain and, most recently, France. In 2019, the year before the outbreak of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and 25 years after Germany’s fundamental 1994 ‘Bahnstrukturreform’ (structural reform of the railway system), which eliminated the legal network monopoly of former Deutsche Bundesbahn for passenger transport services, the combined market share of all competitors for long-distance passenger services was still marginal at 4 per cent (Bundesnetzagentur, 2021a, 26). By contrast, its competitors’ market shares stood at 28 per cent for short-distance (regional) services – where a competition for the market regime had been established – and at 54 per cent in the rail cargo segment – which is governed by an open access regime. In this paper, based on a comparative institution analysis, we explore an alternative regulatory regime to substantially increase effective intramodal competition in Germany’s intercity rail passenger market: open access to the incumbent’s seat inventory. Our main finding is that, compared to the existing yet ineffective open (track) access regime, our proposed alternative considerably reduces entry barriers for newcomers and simplifies regulatory oversight given the specific features of Germany’s railway market.

Private agendas and the public good: The contested development of high-speed passenger rail transport in the United States

During the 1960s, the United States Department of Commerce (and later the Department of Transportation) cooperated with the Pennsylvania Railroad (later, Penn Central) to develop the Metroliner, an American version of the Japanese Shinkansen. Federal officials possessed overtly political motives, including an effort to build political support for the Democratic Party in the heavily urbanized Northeast. Railroad executives sought federal subsidies for conventional rail passenger service, while building political support for the largest merger in American history. The conflicting agendas precluded the development of high-speed surface transportation in the United States.

Conditions for effective on-track competition in the European passenger railway market: A yardstick for regulations

Upon the liberalisation of commercial, domestic passenger rail services, the strong asymmetry of incumbent and entrant imposes the issue of sustainability of competition. Hence, we model the competition between two asymmetric operators. The model is grounded in empirical facts from EU countries with established on-track competition, aiming to explain the empirical pattern of fares and available seats and provide the regulatory guidelines that enable effective on-track competition in the passenger railway market. Our model represents a duopoly competition in the offered number of seats and prices in which passengers differentiate between incumbent's and entrant's services. The assumptions of the model represent considerable improvements to previous modelling approaches. We assume that asymmetric operators compete in the number of offered seats since the choice of frequencies is not directly under their control. Therefore, the load factor is introduced as a critical element of on-track competition. This setup aims to identify conditions that enable sustainable on-track competition in two critical regulatory issues—demand homogenisation (equal access to infrastructure facilities) and reduction of infrastructure access charge towards the marginal cost. Demand homogenisation, which results in incumbent's and entrant's fares converging, reduction of the average fare, and a larger number of passengers, could be achieved by reducing PSO network in order to enable more space for on-track competition and introducing market mechanism for allocation of commercial service train paths. Concerning access regulation, symmetric reduction of access charges increases the number of available seats on a line. We have also determined that asymmetric access regulation, where entrant pays reduced access charge compared to incumbent, results in a lower number of available seats and a higher entrant's market share than in the case of the symmetric access regulation.