Regional Railway Research Articles

Railway Track Irregularity Estimation Using Car Body Vibration: A Data-Driven Approach for Regional Railway

Track and preventive maintenance are necessary for the safe and comfortable operation of railways. Track displacement measured by track inspection vehicles or trolleys has been primarily used for track management. Thus, vibration data measured in in-service vehicles have not been extensively used for track management. In this study, we propose a new technique for estimating track irregularities from measured car body vibration for track management. The correlation between track irregularity and car body vibration was analysed using a multibody dynamics simulation of travelling rail vehicles. Gaussian process regression (GPR) was applied to the track irregularity and car body vibration data obtained from the simulation, and a method was proposed to estimate the track irregularities from the constructed regression model. The longitudinal-level, alignment, and cross-level irregularities were estimated from the measured car body vibrations and travelling speeds on a regional railway, and the results were compared with the actual track irregularity data. The results showed that the proposed method is applicable for track irregularity management in regional railways.

Impact of high-speed railway construction on freight capacity on sections of existing railways- A case on the Yangtze River Delta

The construction of high-speed railway (HSR) can effectively release the freight capacity of existing railways. By analyzing the influencing factors of passengers’ travel choices, the Utility Function and Logit model are adopted to calculate the utility and passenger flow split rate, and get the passenger flow of the existing railways after the diversion of the newly-built HSR. The passenger flow allocation model is established based on User Equilibrium, and improved Frank-Wolfe (FW) algorithm is applied to solve it, and obtain the passenger capacity of the sections on existing railways. Based on the deduction coefficient method, the passenger capacity is deducted from total capacity to get the freight capacity of each section on existing railways after release. Finally, take the railway channel in the Yangtze River Delta as a case, the results show that after the construction of the HSR, the freight capacity of sections on existing railways in the Yangtze River Delta is released to varying degrees. The freight capacity of Hefei-Wuhu section will be released the most, which is 19.5 pairs of trains, while that of Shanghai-Jiaxing section is the least, which is only 3.5 pairs, following by Wenzhou-Jinhua and Hangzhou-Ningbo sections, which are 4 pairs. Therefore, the construction of HSR should be accompanied by focusing on sections with less released freight capacity to enhance the overall capacity of the regional railway network.

Comprehensive examination of regional railway passenger behavior and dwell time components: Insights from video-based observations in Victoria, Australia

In understudied regional railway operations, this study explores passenger boarding and alighting patterns and how station design impacts them, particularly dwell times. Despite extensive metropolitan and suburban train research, regional railways have been overlooked. This study investigates regional rail passenger flow and dwell time to bridge this gap. This article studies dwell times and passenger boarding and alighting at two regional stations in Victoria, Australia, using CCTV data. The objective is to identify insights that might improve regional railway services' efficiency and user experience and advocate for sector-specific solutions. Analysis indicates distinct station boarding and alighting features, highlighting the discovery of the ‘blinded phenomenon’ for train conductors particularly in the afternoon peak (PMP). The results of the study showed that PMP services, which prioritise alighting passengers, had higher dwell times than the morning peak (AMP) services, which emphasise boarding passengers. Obstructed views make it difficult for train conductors to monitor passenger alighting, prolonging dwell times. Better human resource strategies, artificial intelligence for crowd surveillance, and strategic CCTV system deployment to streamline operations and improve passenger experience on regional railways are proposed in the paper, laying the groundwork for future research and operational changes in this vital transportation sector.

Regulating the SADC Regional Railway Corridors for Investments

Regulating the SADC Regional Railway Corridors for Investments

A Bilevel Programming Model for Designing a Collaborative Network for Regional Railway Transportation and Logistics: The Case of the Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei Region in China

For the coordinated development of regional logistics, there is a need to break down the administrative barriers between cities and build an efficient and smooth regional logistics network. Integrating regional logistics resources to achieve cross‐regional optimal allocation is essential for efficient logistics networks. The accessibility and high capacity of the railway transportation network make it possible and necessary for the coordinated construction of railway transportation and logistics networks. This paper studies a bilevel programming model to analyse the collaborative network planning process of railway transportation and logistics. The objective is to take into account the existing layout of regional railway traffic network and the future needs of regional logistics. For the upper level of the bilevel programming model, the social, economic, and logistics service index of regional railway traffic nodes is considered to determine the numbers and locations of radiation of the cities. Meanwhile, the lower programming model uses a logistics gravity model, 0‐1 integer programming model, and logistics membership degree to calculate the logistics correlation between node cities and the radiation range of the hub cities. An empirical study of the Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei region in China shows the process and effectiveness of the bilevel programming model. Four distinctive logistics radiation circles, five trunk lines, nine hub‐spoke branch lines, and six branch lines are suggested. A railway traffic‐oriented regional logistics network provides a reference for regional railway traffic planning, thereby optimizing the allocation of regional logistics resources, improving the level of regional logistics services, and contributing to the development of the regional logistics industry.

Overdue waiting of wagons on railway branch tracks: problems and solutions

The purpose of the study: to prevent wagons from being waited aimlessly by freight owners (Railway customers) on the branch roads of freight cars in rail transport, and to improve wagon turnover indicators Method of study: on the basis of statistical data, comparisons were made on the example of regional railway nodes of the railway in the case of the fact that cars remain standing due to the fault of Railway customers on Branch roads for more than a specified period. The history of the occurrence of the coefficient of the amount of the current fine was studied. it was studied to what extent the statement of the indicators of the amount of fines on the main myory cells was correctly interpreted on the secondary myory cells, and analyzed by comparing the definition of fines for leaving wagons waiting for myory abroad. The main result from the research. The amount of the fine levied for the time of waiting for railway-owned wagons without a goal is obtained as a result of increasing their effectiveness in relation to Railway customers, the wagons on the branch roads received a traffic jam. The number of re-releases of wagons decreases, Efficient use of shunting locomotives and freight fronting over-unloading machines. The station leads to a mutadillation of the operating mode, in a word, by increasing the turnover of wagons, an improvement in the indicators of the effective use of wagons is achieved.

Issues for the Introduction of Hydrogen-Powered Rail Vehicles on Hungarian Regional Railway Lines Through an Example from Germany

The research provides an answer for the introduction of a hydrogen rail system in Hungary, based on an ongoing project in Germany. The research will provide a solution for a more sustainable replacement of the rail branch line services, which currently generates significant emissions. The research also takes into account the important issues of energy trade, i.e. the unpredictable wind and solar energy storage in the summer months. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that it describes the situation of the Hungarian branch line railway infrastructure on the one hand and the problem of storage and use of renewable and surplus seasonal energy in Hungary on the other hand. The study compares the CO2 emissions of three selected regional railway areas in Hungary with the amount of hydrogen consumption on the same line. The current level of hydrogen production in Hungary at the national level and in the regions under study was determined.

FORMATION OF A SYSTEM APPROACH TO ORGANIZING CARGO DELIVERY BY RAILWAY COMPANIES-CARRIER REGIONAL TYPE

Purpose. The introduction of private freight railway carrier companies in Ukraine corresponds to the European trend of demonopolization of railway transport and has a number of consequences, including the creation of a market pricing mechanism and the formation of prerequisites for improving the quality of services in railway transport. In order to ensure the economic development of the railway industry, an integrated approach is required, which includes reviewing and improving the tariff policy regarding the access of private regional railway carrier companies to the railway infrastructure of joint-stock company (JSC) «Ukrzaliznytsia» and providing non-discriminatory access to the railway infrastructure for other transportation participants. This will ensure equal conditions for competition and will contribute to the development of railway transport in Ukraine. Based on this, the purpose of this study is to achieve the effective functioning of a cargo delivery system for regional railway carrier companies when it is implemented on the Ukrainian railway network. To achieve this goal, a functional description of the specified system is used and its parameters are optimized. Methods. To formalize the system of cargo delivery by a regional railway carrier company, used methods of systems theory. The results. The research carried out made it possible to formalize the system of cargo delivery through a regional railway carrier company. In the process of formulating the functional description of the system, various factors affecting the carrier company's costs were taken into account. When analyzing these factors, it was found that the key parameters of the system that have a significant impact on the costs and cost of transporting goods are the serial number of the cargo delivery route, the number of stops on the route, the duration of train downtime at the railway stations of the carrier company's branches while waiting for shunting operations to be performed (attaching groups of wagons). The goal of optimizing these parameters is to increase the efficiency of the system and reduce the cost of transporting goods for individual clients. Practical significance. Subject to the adoption in Ukraine of an appropriate legislative framework that will regulate access to the railway infrastructure of JSC «Ukrzaliznytsia» for private carriers, the implementation of the proposed system will have such positive consequences as increasing the level of competition in the transport market in Ukraine, improving the quality and reliability of transportation and growth Country's GDP. Setting the optimal balance between route numbers, the number of stops and the duration of train downtime will ensure optimal use of the carrier company's resources and reduce the cost of transporting goods. This will help improve the quality of service and meet customer needs.

Regional seismic risk assessment based on the Unified Scaling Law for Earthquakes: The Lake Baikal railway system

Seismic hazard assessment (SHA) and evaluation of seismic risk (SR) require an adequate understanding of the actual distribution of earthquakes over magnitude, space, and time ranges. Neo-deterministic seismic hazard assessment (NDSHA) methodologies have been developed to improve the reliability and accuracy of reproducible seismic hazard maps. In the last decade, the application of NDSHA in many regions of the world has confirmed the availability of reliable and effective input for mitigating object-oriented earthquake risks NDSHA results have passed intensive testing by historical evidence and realistic modelling of scenario earthquakes. We used two NDSHA tools – (i) Unified Scaling Law for Earthquakes (USLE) and (ii) anisotropic propagation of the seismic effect – to evaluate SR for the Lake Baikal regional railroad system represented by Open Street Map (OSM) data of tracks, bridges and tunnels on the basis of seismic hazard maps of maximum macroseismic intensity expected in 50 years with 10%, 5%, and 1% probability of exceedance. We compare the achieved USLE−based results with the SR evaluations based on the General Seismic Zonation 2016 maps at identical levels of probability of exceedance.

Modern vehicles for regional railways

The paper analyses the history of two-axle rail vehicles (rail buses) used for operation on regional lines in Czechoslovakia. It also shows trends in the development of modern light autonomous rolling stocks usable for passenger transport on unprofitable regional lines in Western Europe. The measures adopted in the transport policy of the Czech Republic for the period 2021–2027 for regional railway vehicles in the Czech Republic are presented. The final part of the paper presents the results of study of the concepts of a two-axle hybrid and electric rail buses and a conceptual design of a modular solution of a partially low-floor vehicle BEMU and HEMU for passenger regional rail transport. This paper shows that it is very problematic to create a light rail vehicle (LVR) that will be economical and environmentally friendly for regional transport and at the same time will meet the requirements of standards ČSN EN 12 663, category P2 and ČSN EN 15 227, category C I and will be friendly to road users.

Improving energy efficiency in regional railways with PMSM

Improving energy efficiency in regional railways with PMSM

Energy model of a fuel cell hybrid-electric regional train in passenger transport service and vehicle-to-grid applications

Hydrogen fuel cell multiple unit vehicles are acquiring a central role in the transition process towards carbon neutral trains operation in non-electrified regional railway networks. In addition to their primary role as a transport mean, these vehicles offer significant potential for applications in innovative concepts such as smart grids. Compared to the pure electric propulsion systems, fuel cell technology allows for cogeneration processes by recovering generated heat in addition to the provision of the electrical power. This paper presents the analysis of fuel cell hybrid-electric multiple unit vehicle employed in regional railway transport during regular service, and in vehicle-to-grid application during the off-service hours, providing the electrical and thermal energy for stationary consumers in terminal stations. The system dynamics are modelled using a backward-looking quasi-static simulation approach, with implemented real-time optimization-based control strategy for managing the power flows between different components. In a case study of selected vehicle and railway services in the Netherlands, the fuel cell system showed average hydrogen consumption of 0.4 kg/km, with the overall electrical efficiency of 38.89%. In vehicle-to-grid scenario, the system satisfied complete stationary power demand, and provided about 327 kWh of thermal energy during 2-h operation, reaching the overall cogeneration efficiency of 66.81%.

Analysis on increasing energy efficiency in regional railways by the introduction of permanent magnet synchronous motors

Enhancing efficiency has become a fundamental requirement across contemporary technological endeavors aimed at energy conversion. The imperative lies in achieving global energy resource preservation objectives. Novel methods of energy utilization with heightened efficiency are progressively gaining traction, accompanied by the intricacies of refining existing technologies. This research undertakes an examination of the amplified energy efficiency within regional rail systems, achieved through the adoption of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) as primary electric propulsion systems, particularly when juxtaposed with induction motors. Delving into the theoretical engineering attributes of PMSMs, coupled with the establishment of dynamic motion characteristics and comprehensive simulations, offers a pathway to amassing empirical insights pertaining to efficiency studies.

Evaluating efficiency of railway transportation based on cross‐efficiency evaluation method and relative entropy evaluation method in China

AbstractRailway transportation system is one of the most important components of the integrated transportation system. A functional and efficient railway transportation system can be conducive to sustainable development of society and economy, thus highlighting the importance of studies on railway transportation efficiency. Therefore, this research proposes the cross‐efficiency evaluation method based on the relative entropy evaluation method (CERE) to evaluate railway transportation efficiency in China. Firstly, the research constructs an evaluation indicators system for railway transportation efficiency from the perspective of input‐output. Secondly, the paper obtains cross‐efficiency matrix by using the cross‐efficiency evaluation method (CE). Then, the study takes the obtained the cross‐efficiency matrix as the decision matrix of multiple criteria decision‐making (MCDM) problem, and applies the relative entropy evaluation method to evaluate the efficiency of railway transportation. Finally, the empirical analysis of the efficiency evaluation results for 18 railway transportation companies shows that, in 2019, Taiyuan Railway Transportation Company has the highest efficiency score, owing probably to a greater coal railway transportation demand and an advanced railway heavy haul transportation technology; railway transportation companies in the Eastern China typically have the highest efficiency scores, owing probably to a greater regional railway transportation demand.

Region‐centric infrastructure policies and the regional politics surrounding Chinese railway projects: Insights from the East Africa region

AbstractThe African Union and regional economic communities have identified infrastructure development, not least the enhancement of railway systems, as a key priority to advance regional and continental integration policy. The keen interest of Chinese actors in Africa's railway sector is largely welcomed as conducive to increasing infrastructural connectivity within and between Africa's sub‐regions. This article argues that regional railway projects must be assessed against regional political contexts, which crucially co‐determine the degree of coordination and cooperation in the context of region‐centric infrastructure policies. Competing national political agendas, exacerbated mostly by China's bilateral engagement with East African Community member states, has intensified East Africa's infrastructure race. This has resulted in a poorly coordinated standard‐gauge railway project along the East African Northern Corridor; consequently, its economic viability is in doubt.Related ArticlesIkeanyibe, Okechukwu Marcellus. 2018. “Bureaucratic Politics and the Implementation of Liberalization Reforms in Nigeria: A Study of the Unbundling and Reorganization of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.” Politics & Policy 46(2): 263–94. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12249.Iwuoha, Victor Chidubem, Nneka Ifeoma Okafor, and Emmanuel Ifeadike. 2022. “State Regulation of Nigeria's Maritime Ports: Exploring the Impact of Port Concession on Both the Regulator and the Operators.” Politics & Policy 50(5): 1032–52. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12495.McNamara, Madeleine W., John C. Morris, and Martin Mayer. 2014. “Expanding the Universe of Multi‐Organizational Arrangements: Contingent Coordination and the Deepwater Horizon Transportation Challenges.” Politics & Policy 42(3): 346–68. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12073.

Optimal Train Platforming with Shunting Operations for Multidirectional Passenger Stations: A Case Study of Guangzhou Station

Busy, complex railway stations that serve as origin and termination points for a significant proportion of trains are essential to regional railway networks. Resolving conflicts between arrival–departure operations and shunting operations of cross-line trains and originating or terminating passenger trains in the throat area is important for safety in these multidirectional stations. The main task of this paper is to study the train platforming problem, and we consider the integration of track and route allocation with shunting route allocation on the basis of the traditional TTP problem, so as to formulate a strong anti-interference track allocation plan for busy, complex railway stations. Therefore, in view of the complex characteristics of train operation in busy, complex railway stations, we extensively examine the technical operational characteristics of various trains in multidirectional stations, which are the key constraints of the model, and establish a mixed-integer linear programming model. This model aims to balance the buffer time for track occupation and optimize the routing and scheduling of trains in stations. Furthermore, an improved genetic algorithm is proposed to effectively implement the developed model. In the case study of Guangzhou Station, the occupation analysis after the optimization of the method in this paper indicates that the shunting operations significantly interfere with arrival–departure operations in throat areas. The optimization of buffer times and track utilization times resulted in notable reductions of 30.55% and 77.82%, respectively, in quadratic differences. These outcomes provide empirical evidence supporting the feasibility of the proposed model and algorithm for addressing train platforming problems, particularly in complex, multidirectional, and heavily trafficked railway stations.

Accuracy Improvement of Braking Force via Deceleration Feedback Functions Applied to Braking Systems.

Currently, braking control systems used in regional railways are open-loop systems, such as metro and tramways. Given that the performance of braking can be influenced by issues such as wheel sliding or the properties of the friction components present in brake systems, our study puts forward a novel closed-loop mechanism to autonomously stabilize braking performance. It is able to keep train deceleration close to the target values required by the braking control unit (BCU), especially in terms of the electrical-pneumatic braking transform process. This method fully considers the friction efficiency characteristics of brake pads and encompasses running tests using rolling stock. The test results show that the technique is able to stabilize the actual deceleration at a closer rate to the target deceleration than before and avoid wheel sliding protection (WSP) action, especially during low-speed periods.

All Aboard: Gender Diversity and Safety Culture on the Track

Women have been historically underrepresented in both craft and management positions in the U.S. rail industry. Identified as one of the industry’s top workforce challenges, the present study provides a more detailed view of gender diversity in rail transportation, and how factors such as gender and management status interact to affect perceptions of safety culture in a sample of U.S. short line and regional railroads (Nrailroads = 23, Nrailroaders = 1,239). The results suggested that women tended to be older than men, have more education, and were more likely to be employed at larger organizations. Despite being employed in the railroad industry for fewer years than men, women in our sample were also more likely to be managers. With regard to safety culture, managers had more positive perceptions than craft employees, and female craft employees had more positive perceptions than male craft employees. Implications for the industry and avenues for future research and implementation are discussed.

Metropolitan Area Network Model Design Using Regional Railways Information for Beyond 5G Research

To accelerate research on Beyond 5G (B5G) technologies in Japan, we propose an algorithm that designs mesh-type metropolitan area network (MAN) models based on a priori Japanese regional railway information, because ground-truth communication network information is unavailable. Instead, we use the information of regional railways, which is expected to express the necessary geometric structure of our metropolitan cities while remaining strongly correlated with their population densities and demographic variations. We provide an additional compression algorithm for use in reducing a small-scale network model from the original MAN model designed using the proposed algorithm. Two Tokyo MAN models are created, and we provide day and night variants for each while highlighting the number of passengers alighting/boarding at each station and the respective population densities. The validity of the proposed algorithm is verified through comparisons with the Japan Photonic Network model and another model designed using the communication network information, which is not ground-truth. Comparison results show that our proposed algorithm is effective for designing MAN models and that our result provides a valid Tokyo MAN model.

Transportation mode choice model between private car and railway for responding the operation of Makassar - Parepare railway for Makassar - Pangkep route

The construction of the Makassar – Parepare Railway is an effort to support the integration of the national transportation system. The construction of the Maros-Barru Railway Line (± 71 KM) as part of the Makassar-Parepare line has been completed. In the context of the Operation of the Makassar - Pare-pare Regional Railway, it is important to carry out studies that are urgently needed in planning and making transportation policies. Mode choice is a unique issue and cannot be determined casually. And have been affectedby characteristics of the community/population as potential passengers along the operational area. This research was conducted to assess the level of probability of choosing the mode of community travel on the Makassar - Pangkep route. The research methodology was carried out by Stated Preference and data processing used the STATA program which was analyzed using the discrete choice analysis method approach to individual behavior. Apart from that, an estimation of the sensitivity of travelers is also carried out in determining the choice of mode if changes are made to the attributes of the trip. The mode choice model used is the Logit model for selecting two modes where the ones being reviewed are trains and private vehicles (cars). The results showed that the probability of choosing a train and a private car was 43% and 57%, respectively. The results of the sensitivity analysis show a negative direction, which states that the bigger/longer the attribute value, the lower the probability of choosing a train.