Rail Corridor Research Articles

Strategies to Develop the Use of 4R Intermodality as a Combination of Rail Motorways and Motorways of the Sea

This paper introduces the concept of R4 (road-rail-ro-ro), a concept increasingly used in transport and logistics research circles that defines the modern concept of the transport chain as it passes through the intermodal use of rail, road, and ship via ro-ro. The integration of the new rail-road freight services into the reference supply model allows us to define the supply model for the design scenario on which the evaluation is now focused in terms of service-mode demand shares and in terms of design network flows and performance indicators carried out by demand-supply interaction models applied to all available service-modes. The use of strength-weaknesses-opportunities-threats analysis (SWOT) allows for the identification of some strategies to enhance and improve the current rail and maritime corridors in order to attract more customers using the different services, ultimately triggering the involvement of more actors in generating bigger and better integrated logistic chains using intermodality. The SWOT analysis allows the identification of a series of measures in order to adapt, maintain, enhance or exploit the aspects arising from the expert analysis.

Turkmenistan in Eurasian railway geopolitics

ABSTRACT Central Asian railways are usually discussed in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative, and most studies deal with the main railway line at the heart of this grandiose China-backed project. Turkmenistan represents a somewhat extraordinary example due to the state’s massive investments in railways, which have almost doubled the length of the country’s rail network in recent decades. The building of the new railways was aimed at linking Turkmen regions together with direct internal connections instead of relying on complicated cross-border passages. It was also intended to make Turkmenistan a transport hub of the Eurasian transport system. Based on the landlocked countries concept and using the analysis of available statistics and transport flows along the two main rail corridors passing through Turkmenistan (east–west and north–south), the paper investigates the gap between these ambitious goals and the actual results, including the reasons for these processes. The emergence of strong competition in the form of other (more efficient) routes has signified a setback for the expansion of Turkmenistan’s railway network.

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.

Energy‐optimal study integrated speed trajectories, timetable and the layout of neutral sections for high‐speed railway

Speed trajectories, timetable and the layout of neutral sections are the key elements that affect train energy consumption (EC). This paper combines the microscopic energy-efficient train control (EETC), macroscopic energy-efficient train timetabling (EETT) and neutral sections location planning (NSLP), to achieve minimum EC in bi-directional high-speed railway. An integrated model is first established based on neutral sections distribution model, timetable model and a multi-phase model. Then, a double loop genetic algorithm (DLGA) is designed for matching the proposed model. The case studies are conducted by the proposed model and algorithm on the Wuhan-Yueyang rail corridor. A simple case for single-train movement in one section is primarily executed with variable neutral section location, to investigate the impact of neutral section location for train operation. The results indicate that neutral section locating at the coasting (CO) and cruising (CR) zones is the prior choice for energy conservation. Then, three integrated problems (EETC, EETC + EETT and EETC + EETT + NSLP) are carried out to obtain the energy-optimal speed trajectories, timetable and the layout of neutral sections, showing that EETC + EETT + NSLP increases the regenerative energy recycling from 14.2% to 49.1% and achieves 9.2% energy reduction compared with EETC.

Passenger Inflow Control Along Rail Corridor for Recurrent Heavy Passenger Flow Mitigation

Taking both the total passenger waiting time and operational cost into consideration, this paper presents a mixed integer programming model to optimize a coordinated passenger inflow control strategy with collaborative train timetable for a rail corridor. A model predictive control method is developed to solve the problem of interest efficiently. Case studies validate the effectiveness of the proposed model for decreased passenger waiting time, safety risks, and system costs. Sensitivity analyses with respect to the values of time and operational cost are conducted for better application of the proposed model.

Transport infrastructure and economic performance: An evaluation of the Milan-Bologna high-speed rail corridor

This paper evaluates the impact of high-speed rail on the economic performance of the Milan-Bologna corridor in Northern Italy in terms of gross value added, distinguishing between services and manufacturing. The evidence-based impact assessment is carried out through propensity score matching difference-in-differences, event study, and synthetic control methods using NUTS 3 provincial panel data 2000–2018. The results suggest overall positive effects for the NUTS 3 provinces directly exposed to the programme. Still, sectoral heterogeneities arise depending on the specialization of the place hosting a high-speed railway stop. Moreover, different magnitudes occur depending on whether or not a high-speed station is located in a central place.

Integrating Short Sea Shipping with Trans-European Transport Networks

This paper studies the possibilities of closer integration of short sea shipping, with other components of the Trans-European Transport Networks, shifting a significant share of road freight onto rail corridors and inland waterways. A numerical model of transport networks is used to support the calculation of the main parameters driving transport decisions, for multiple pairs of origin/destination representing statistical regions of the European Union, and for different, alternative intermodal and unimodal transport chains. Results are presented using a geographic information system. This approach is applied in a case study dedicated to the evaluation of the competitiveness of transport chains based on short sea shipping between Portugal and The Netherlands, integrated with other components of Trans-European Transport Networks (rail freight corridors and inland waterways), compared to road haulage-based transport chains. Conclusions are drawn regarding the geographical scope of the relative competitiveness of these transport chains and policy investment insights are presented.

High-Speed Train Vibrations in the Sub-soils Supporting Ballasted Rail Corridors

High-Speed Train Vibrations in the Sub-soils Supporting Ballasted Rail Corridors

Urban Transit Projects and Internal Displacement: A study on Kerala's Silverline Corridor

A semi-high-speed rail corridor connecting the northern part of Kerala from Kasaragod to the southern part of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram through a single railway corridor has recently been proposed. The objectives of the project are to advance accessibility and mobility between northern and southern Kerala. Nonetheless, significant protests and resistance have been recorded against the project. Infrastructural projects with no consideration for environmental contexts and vulnerabilities will seriously affect the already vulnerable environment of the state, deepen inequalities and jeopardize the capacities, assets, and activities that sustain the means of living. The objective of the study is to record the impact of large-scale urban transit projects on the environment and people. This paper ponders two questions; firstly, why there are enormous protests and serious resistance against a supposedly valuable infrastructural project? and secondly, can this project, as the protestors reiterate, lead to the internal displacement of people across the eleven districts through which the proposed rail corridor passes? The study suggests a renewed approach that implies a detailed evaluation of the project's feasibility and viability dimensions required to be undertaken before acquiring land and properties from people. The implementation of this policy, in tune with the environmental contexts of the state, is vital to protect livelihoods and promote healthy development.

Out of Sight and Out of Mind? Safety and Procedural Issues with Disused and Seasonal Rail Corridors

Out of Sight and Out of Mind? Safety and Procedural Issues with Disused and Seasonal Rail Corridors

An Economic Case Against Rent Regulations in Montgomery County, Maryland

A new light rail system threatens to increase pressure on Montgomery County’s already-chronic housing shortage for low- and middle-income residents. The 16-mile Purple Line rail corridor, expected to be completed in 2026, will run adjacent to a substantial proportion of the county’s naturally occurring affordable housing and a large population of vulnerable cost-burdened renters. Proposed economic development around the new transit stations could usher in an increase in economic development that portends rapid increases in home values, rents, and land prices. To preserve affordable housing and reduce displacement in the wake of this development, the Montgomery County Council is debating rent regulations for a county-wide transit-centered buffer zone. This policy, however, would have a negative effect as economists overwhelmingly agree that rent controls cause inefficiency, inequity, negative externalities, disutility, and restricted mobility. This paper uses an economic analysis to show that local rent regulations would fail to mitigate the chronic housing shortage and that costs to communities and businesses will outweigh the benefits provided to protected tenants. Montgomery County should reconsider implementing the proposed rent regulations, reevaluate similar policies, and expand efficient, targeted support for low-income renters.

Urban Rail Transit in Bangkok: Chronological Development Review and Impact on Residential Property Value

Bangkok suffered from the world’s worst traffic congestion in the 1990s due to rapidly increasing car ownership, reflecting the economic growth and road-dependent transport policy beginning in the 1960s. Due to its monocentric but scattered urban structure, traffic congestion is severe, causing tremendous economic loss, deteriorating air quality, and badly affecting the quality of life. A historical review reveals that the urban and transport plan and development were not efficiently coordinated, resulting in unorganized suburbanization and progressively more severe traffic congestion. It is important to reveal the impact of the transportation project on the housing market in order to incorporate the policies for transportation and urban development. To define the impact, the OLS hedonic price model and the local multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model were estimated, along with the condominium sales data. The results revealed that the impact of rail transit on a rise in property value significantly varied across the study area. It was estimated that, for the area along the major rail transit corridor in the city center, a premium of a location 100-m closer to the station would be more than 200 USD per square meter. At the same time, the value would be less than 80 USD for the area along the rail corridor in the suburb. These findings provide policy insights for future urban and railway development, including the proper coordination of rail transit development and urban development with subcenters, transit-oriented development, and improved pedestrian flow around transit stations.

Train timetabling for a double-track urban rail transit line under dynamic passenger demand

Train timetable is of critical importance for an urban rail transit line, chiefly because it is the primary factor determining passenger perception of service quality. As it not only delivers efficient transit service to users but also significantly contributes to operator profitability, the train timetabling problem has been a widely studied subject in academic circles. Still, the existing models in the literature, for the most part, fail to sufficiently take into account train capacity, fleet size, and vehicle circulation. As a contribution to bridging this research gap, this study mainly focuses on the train timetabling problem in a congested urban rail corridor to adapt to dynamic behavior of passenger demand subject to operational and resource constraints. A nonlinear programming model is formulated to devise timetables with a view to minimizing the average waiting time per passenger. In the model, the congestion is represented by some passengers who may not be able to take the first incoming train due to limited train capacity. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, a case study is performed on a metro line in Istanbul. According to study results, the optimized demand-oriented train timetable proved to be more advantageous when compared to its periodical counterpart prepared by traffic planners. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to attain the best trade-off between passenger satisfaction and operation cost.

Shared-use rail corridors: a comparison of institutional perspectives in the United States and the European Union

ABSTRACT This paper reviews existing literature to identify issues, challenges, and best practices associated with shared-use freight and passenger rail corridors. Specifically, this paper will compare and contrast shared-corridor practices from an institutional perspective in the United States and the European Union. These two regions were chosen because of their shared social, political, technological, and economic ties, their historical mixes of private and state railroad operations, and because of the significant contemporary differences in the role of rail in these two regions. That mix of similarities and differences clarifies important commonalities specific to freight and passenger railroads that may be applicable in other times and places. Best practices include planning for: capital investment, long-term time horizons, measurable incremental improvements, regional multi-modality, and mutual benefits between freight and passenger operations.

Effects of Rail Freight Corridors in Low Population Regions

Impact analysis of the construction and commissioning of a rail freight infrastructure must contemplate the regional economic system in its entirety, since that impact extends beyond the direct contribution to the increase in production, and the consequent generation of income from capital and remuneration of labor incorporated in such activity. The objective of this research is to know the effects that a rail freight infrastructure produces in a region with a low population, such as Extremadura (Spain). For this purpose, the calculation of the total impact produced by the rail freight corridor on the regional economy of Extremadura has been made, which will correspond to the sum of the direct, indirect and induced impacts. For its determination, a simulation tool has been created from Input-Output tables that allow you to compare different impact levels depending on the intensity of the investments made, or the activity developed following the launch of the new rail corridor. The research concludes with the profitability of the action because for a planned investment of 160 M€ for 3 years in the freight rail corridor from Extremadura, every euro invested returns in more than 2 euros to the Extremadura’s productive system, creating more than 4100 jobs.

Multi-scale evaluation of diesel commuter rail fuel use, emissions, and eco-driving

• Diesel commuter rail fuel use and emission rates (FUERs) are quantified. • Key sources of variability in diesel commuter rail FUERs are quantified. • Diesel commuter rail FUERs are 7 to 8 times greater for hotspots than non-hotspots. • Eco-driving can reduce system-wide diesel commuter rail FUERs by 10% annually. • Mesoscopic eco-driving can mitigate or worsen FUERs hotspots. Diesel commuter rail emissions affect populations near rail corridors. An approach is demonstrated to quantify mesoscale and microscale diesel commuter rail fuel use and emission rates (FUERs) of CO 2 , CO, NO x , particulate matter , and total hydrocarbons based on two U.S. systems. A speed trajectory simulator, an energy model, and an emissions model were calibrated, evaluated, and applied. FUERs and potential reductions from eco-driving were quantified based on simulated trajectories. Hotspots were defined as sections with ≥ 90 th percentile of section-average FUERs by species. A few key variables explain 74–80% of variability in mesoscopic and microscopic FUERs. On average, FUERs are 7–8 times greater for hotspots than non-hotspots. Eco-driving was estimated to reduce segment-average FUERs by 3–33% and eliminate 2–11% hotspots. However, mesoscale oriented eco-driving can, at some locations, increase microscopic FUERs. The approach is adaptable to other diesel commuter rail systems.

Vehicle Bridge Interaction in High-Speed Rail Corridors

Abstract: In this paper, our aim is to establish that Dynamic impact factor (DIF) is not only dependent on the span and type of the bridge but also dependent upon speed of the train and distance between axles of the train as well. Our current code i.e. Indian Railway Standards specify that DIF or Coefficient of Dynamic Augment (CDA) is dependent on span length and type of bridge but it is applicable for design speed up to 160 kmph. For any speed greater than that CDA shall need to be computed as per the dynamic analysis as per available international codes. As mentioned earlier that there is imminent need of high-speed rail network in India due to increase in economic activity, increase in travel choices, improvement in mobility, reduction in congestion and to boost productivity. Our objective of this project is to study dynamic response of a various types of bridges under high speed trains currently being used in India for high speed rail projects like RRTS (Delhi to Meerut and other corridors) and High speed rail project from Mumbai to Ahmedabad to accurately assess the DIF in bridges under the effect of different governing factors (vehicle speed, vehicle load, bridge superstructure type, etc). This study could be beneficial in upcoming projects of high-speed rail as it is our future need. This study is based on the current semi-high-speed rail network i.e. Delhi Meerut Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) being constructed and other corridors are to be implemented. Design speed of this project is 180 kmph hence existing IRS codal provision for DIF cannot be used, therefore, dynamic analysis is needed to establish the DIF. Dynamic analysis has been carried out with two types of boggie length i.e. 21.34m and 22.34m. In this project, we have started with the understanding of dynamic analysis by mentioning various codal provisions and parameters influencing the DIF. Subsequently, procedures for computation of dynamic analysis for given superstructure, loading, train type, span, etc have been explained including the modelling part. Last part of this study covers the dynamic analysis of various types of superstructure for given data

Is large technological investment really a solution for a major shift to rail? A discussion based on a Mediterranean freight corridor case-study

The aim of this paper is to assess how the introduction of technological innovations into a capacity constrained rail corridor may increase its ability to capture market share from road transport. The Montpellier-Perpignan section, a bottle-neck in the Mediterranean corridor, is used as a case study for the effects of implementing new rolling stock that allows for freight trains up to 1500 m, a new ballastless track replacing existing one, resilient switches and crossings, and monitoring systems that allow for a reduction in maintenance costs and closure times. The results of a cost-benefit analysis show positive net impacts, however, the increases in capacity are only enough to maintain current rail freight market shares. Evidence suggests that a heavy investment in technology in existing lines is not the most effective way to increase rail market share.

High-speed rail and industrial movement: Evidence from China's Greater Bay Area

In the context of location choice, firms face a trade-off between the increasing agglomeration benefits and the rising costs of doing business along the high-speed rail (HSR) corridors. This study examines the causal impact of the HSR extension on industrial movement patterns in China's Greater Bay Area (GBA). We analyze two firm-level datasets for the period 2007–2018 using the difference-in-differences method. We find that after the HSR extension, large-scale manufacturing firms exhibit a decentralization trend in the central GBA. We also find that the service sector shows a clustering pattern in the GBA. However, this pattern differs between the GBA and other regions, urban districts, and suburban counties, highlighting the redistribution effect of the HSR extension on industrial growth across regions. These findings have important implications for industrial policymaking, as they help decision-makers reflect on the potential industrial movement trend in relation to the impact of HSR expansion.

Forecasting the Cargo Throughput for Small and Medium-sized Ports: Multi-stage Approach with Reference to the Multi-port System

Purpose: The paper aims to elaborate on long-term throughput forecasts in Small and Medium-Sized ports (SMPs). The research problem relates to determining a method that is relevant for the long-term transhipment forecasting in SMPs. Design/Methodology/Approach: Research was applied to the Polish ports system consisting of three major ports (Gdansk, Gdynia, and Świnoujście) and the minor port of Szczecin. Forecasts for the cargo groups in the major ports were produced using regression models where the model parameters were estimated with the Ordinary Least Squares Method. The obtained forecasts of the throughput of cargo groups in major Polish seaports were converted into dynamics indices. The resulting matrices of the cargo throughput dynamics indices established for the leading Polish seaports were used to prepare cargo throughput forecasts for the port of Szczecin. Findings: Elaborated throughput forecasts indicate that, in the future, the port in Szczecin will retain its universal character, and a moderate increase in the cargo volumes confirms that it will serve as a complementary port to the major ports in the range. The forecasted modal split of hinterland transport indicates the increasing importance of road transport, and a decreased rail and inland waterway transport to/from the hinterland. That is likely due to a lower cargo throughput and difficulties in organizing the rail and inland waterway corridors based on smaller freight volumes. Practical implications: The study provides a practical tool for long-term throughput and hinterland traffic forecasting in SMPs. It is addressed to port authorities as the method may be used in decision-making on capacity expansion and academics exploring the phenomenon of predictions in maritime transport. Originality/Values: The novel method of demand forecasting in SMPs includes relations between major and minor ports in the range and multi-staged validation of results. Research advances studies on the dynamics of multi-port systems.