Taiwan High Speed Rail Research Articles

Ground Vibration Induced by High-Speed Trains on Bridge Structures

Ground vibration induced by high-speed trains can reach levels that cause annoyance to humans and interruption of sensitive instrumentation. To address this issue, the characteristics of ground vibration induced by Taiwan high-speed rail on bridge structures are evaluated using a wide range of field-measured data. The measurements for analysis consist of various foundation types, geological conditions, and train speeds. Both near-field vibration (25 m from track center) and far-field vibration propagation are evaluated. Specific influence factors for ground vibration assessment are also presented.

Integrating optimization and data mining techniques for high-speed train timetable design considering disturbances

Purpose The Taiwan high-speed railway (THSR) system plays an important role in maintaining efficient transportation of passengers around Taiwan. However, the control mechanisms of THSR and the traditional railway systems are quite different. Drivers on THSR-trains cannot control the cars by themselves; only the control center of THSR can give the commands, which are based on the train timetables and should be followed by the drivers to operate the cars. Moreover, when a disaster occurs, the control center needs to prepare a rescheduled timetable in accordance with current situations that drivers can follow. Method This study presents a methodology to esta lish a set of optimal operation rules which are tree-based rules for real-time train timetable control for the THSR-system. The rules can be used to determine the optimal real-time operation during disturbances. Steps of the proposed methodology involve: (i) building of train timetable optimization model, (ii) generation of optimal input-output patterns, and (iii) extraction of tree-based rules for designed scenarios using the decision-tree algorithm. Results & Discussion The model could generate a timetable result that was as good as a real timetable. This means it has potential as a simulation analysis for predicting the effect of disruptions on the timetable without doing the real experiment with train timetables during disruptive events.

The Effects of Technology Readiness on Customer Perceived Value: An Empirical Analysis

Technology infusion into service procedures has enhanced the rise of self-service technology. Technology-based services help businesses provide more flexibility, efficiency, and variety to customers. Therefore, it increases the customer’s perceived value from the business’s viewpoint. However, technology-based services are usually novel to most customers. As a result, customers who lack sufficient experience with using technology-based services may feel extreme frustration. The purpose of this study was to empirically examine how technology readiness (TR) affects customer perceived value (CPV). Data were collected from consumers who took the high speed rail in Taiwan in June 2009. As expected, optimism and innovativeness had positive impacts on CPV while discomfort and insecurity had negative impacts on CPV. The four TR dimensions all had significant, but not equal, impacts on CPV. Optimism had the highest impact on CPV. TR had no significant impact on emotional value. Social value and security value were significantly and positively affected by TR.

Effectiveness Observed by Passengers Taking the Taiwan High Speed Railway Service: Especially their Observation of Overall Quality and Satisfaction

Abstract. This paper is regarding research concerning Taiwan’s High Speed Railway (THSR) service; its quality and performance. Most of the passengers preferred this transportation when compared with other trains because it is clean, convenient, comfortable, and saves time, while offering high quality service. The paper has 5 service quality dimensions. It includes 28 items in the form of a questionnaire for passengers which focused on the Hsichu station. The first dimension concerns boarding the train; the second is inside the train station; the third is on the platform; the fourth is riding the train, and the last one is leaving the THSR station. The analysis shows the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) and the Importance Performance Analysis (IPA). The research is in regard to passenger’s satisfaction with the quality of service and customer satisfaction.

Decision Support System to Optimize Railway Stopping Patterns

An intercity passenger rail is built to connect several major cities. To provide satisfactory services to passengers, railway operators plan different stop schedules, such as all-stop, skip-stop, and express services. However, stopping patterns determined by empirical rules or political arguments are generally not optimal. This paper aims at developing a decision support system to generate the optimal combination of stopping patterns for minimizing total passenger in-vehicle time. This problem was first formulated by using mixed integer programming, but this method is intractable when dealing with large-scale problems because of the complexity of model structure and the nature of the problem. A genetic algorithm was then developed to search for the optimal or near-optimal solution efficiently within a reasonable computation time. The proposed algorithm was successfully implemented on Taiwan High Speed Rail. The resulting solution is better than the current practice, and the proposed algorithm is capable of finding the optimal solution in seconds. The present case study demonstrates that the decision support tool can tackle large-scale problems and can help operators efficiently and effectively design an optimal combination of stopping patterns.

A two-layer optimization model for high-speed railway line planning

Line planning is the first important strategic element in the railway operation planning process, which will directly affect the successive planning to determine the efficiency of the whole railway system. A two-layer optimization model is proposed within a simulation framework to deal with the high-speed railway (HSR) line planning problem. In the model, the top layer aims at achieving an optimal stop-schedule set with the service frequencies, and is formulated as a nonlinear program, solved by genetic algorithm. The objective of the top layer is to minimize the total operation cost and unserved passenger volume. Given a specific stop-schedule, the bottom layer focuses on weighted passenger flow assignment, formulated as a mixed integer program with the objective of maximizing the served passenger volume and minimizing the total travel time for all passengers. The case study on Taiwan HSR shows that the proposed two-layer model is better than the existing techniques. In addition, this model is also illustrated with the Beijing-Shanghai HSR in China. The result shows that the two-layer optimization model can reduce computation complexity and that an optimal set of stop-schedules can always be generated with less calculation time.

Field measurements of aerodynamic pressures in tunnels induced by high speed trains

The passage of high speed trains causes aerodynamic effects in tunnels, and considerable pressure transients are generated because of the restricted airspace within the tunnel. This leads to passenger discomfort, noise surrounding the tunnel, resistance to train movement, and possible damage to the train body and tunnel facilities. For the real assessment of the aerodynamic pressures in the tunnel induced by the passing trains of the high speed rail in Taiwan, a series of field measurements were performed near the portal and the shaft or the adit of the tunnel during normal operation. The measurements were conducted for several train speeds, including the maximum operation speed of the high speed rail in Taiwan, which is 300 km/h. Pressure sensors were deployed along the tunnel to investigate the propagation of pressure waves. The results show that the train nose entry/exit generated a compression wave propagating throughout the tunnel, resulting in a sharp increase in pressure. Conversely, the train tail entry/exit generated an expansion wave causing a pressure drop. The successive reflections of these pressure waves between both ends of the tunnel were observed. The pass-by of a train inside the tunnel also induced an immediate local pressure drop due to aerodynamic drag. Based on the measurement results, the spatial variation of the train-induced pressure peaks inside the tunnel is discussed. Furthermore, the relationship between the pressure peaks and the train speed is established, and the influence of the cross-sectional area of the tunnel is also presented.

Relationships among service quality, corporate image, customer satisfaction, and behavioral intention for the elderly in high speed rail services

SUMMARYSince the Taiwan High Speed Rail operations, Taiwan's transportation market entered into a new era. Because of its competitive service of speed, convenience, environmental concerns and comfort, the High Speed Rail has not only made significant changes but has played a significant role in Taiwan's transportation. However, Taiwan now is an aging society. Due to the physical constraints among the elderly, demands to redesign the traffic system and maintain transportation safety are essential considerations. In the current market, Taiwan's transportation construction is facing fewer barriers; however, it must still improve, especially considering the health of the elderly. Thus, this study investigates elderly passengers' demands and further examined the relationships among service quality, corporate image, customer satisfaction, and behavioral intention. According to empirical analytical results based on structural equation modeling (N = 341), satisfaction directly affected travel behaviors, while service quality and corporate image played indirect roles. In addition, service quality plays a significant role on the effect of satisfaction. This study provides empirical evidence to indicate the quality of the accessible environment affects not only the effectiveness and efficiency of service quality, but also, the corporate image. The results provide valuable references for critically managing the elderly's usage of the high speed rail transportation service. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Lessons Learnt from Taiwan's High Speed Rail

Lessons Learnt from Taiwan's High Speed Rail

Evaluating web site service quality in public transport: Evidence from Taiwan High Speed Rail

More and more public transport system passengers plan their trips by using website services. The passengers’ perceived service quality of a website plays a crucial role in recognizing the satisfaction of a transportation service chain. This study aims to investigate the passengers’ perception of electronic service quality (e-SQ) delivery through the Taiwan High Speed Rail’s (THSR) website, by adopting the Rasch measurement model to measure a subjective latent construct: perceived e-SQ. The Rasch model can compare person parameters with item parameters, which are then subjected to a logarithmic transformation along a logit scale to clearly identify which e-SQ measurement items are appreciated by certain passengers. Analytical results show substantial differences between the perceived e-SQ of various personal characteristics such as age, income, and trip types. Empirical results also demonstrate that passengers are most satisfied with the website’s accuracy of information and introduction to the THSR stations’ surrounding area, but are not satisfied with instructions when a transaction fails as well as the carriage layout of the THSR. Our analytical results also identify which service items lead to the perceived e-SQ difference between business trip and leisure trip passengers. The relationship between the two main attribute dimensions – quality of transportation information provided and quality of website services – are also further examined. The empirical results can help a transportation system service operator to better understand how passengers perceive e-SQ and to suggest what should be improved.

Hierarchical analytic network process and its application in environmental impact evaluation

Dependence (influence) relationship among criteria in complex decision-making problems is difficult to identify through supermatrices in the analytic network process (ANP) because of the trouble in preserving consistency. To alleviate the complexity in such situations, the first objective of this paper is to propose a hierarchical ANP that synthesises hierarchical structures and networks, where hierarchies are used to represent outer dependency and networks serve to delineate inner dependence. In the ANP applications, expertise is widely applied to assess influence weights; however, in some cases the criteria assessed are all related to measurable attributes, and it is difficult to estimate their dependence due to the lack of relevant knowledge. Therefore, the second objective of this paper is to introduce a statistical method to obtain influence weights based on measurable data rather than subjective judgement. The third objective of this paper is to present a new technique for deriving global weights, which can largely reduce the computational complexity of powering supermatrices. Finally, a real-world case of Taiwan high-speed rail system is used to demonstrate the use of these approaches.

Deploying effective service strategy in the operations stage of high-speed rail

This paper utilizes a confirmatory passenger continuance behavior model to appraise high-speed rail service quality and performance. Surveys are administered for Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) and Korea Train eXpress (KTX) corporations to gain an understanding of passengers’ perceptions of the operational performance using a proposed satisfaction index. A modified importance–performance analysis is employed to enable elaboration of strategic service management decisions. The empirical study concludes that level of access to THSR station and personal space on KTX train are the top-priority quality indicators that need to be addressed to improve customer satisfaction and corporate profits.

Enhancing the hybrid computer simulation model—a case model of Full-span Precast and Launching Method (FPLM) -based operation analysis

Full-span Precast and Launching Method (FPLM) is widely selected as a main construction method for long viaducts in many important infrastructure of the world, for example, the Taiwan High-Speed Railway (THSR) project. Little effort has been done to achieve the FPLM quantitative research because of inherent complexity of projects and the difficulties associated with modeling all aspects combined. FPLM production operations involving complex and subtle interactions between machines, workers, and materials often can be evaluated only using manual method and experienced professionals must resort to efficiency factors to allow for probable errors and uncertainty. The research proposed a FPLM based construction a computer-based simulation model with learning parameters and Activity based costing (ABC) concept which most of the prior studies didn’t considered which has been proven that has higher accuracy on the productivity behaviors simulation results and have capabilities for the cost disbursement simulation compared with the model without setting learning parameters. The users can adjust the proposed model, i.e. learning parameters, for relevant future use in practice, for example, similar projects in other places, or other bridge construction technology’s application.

A Probabilistic Transmission Model to Assess Infection Risk fromMycobacterium Tuberculosisin Commercial Passenger Trains

The objective of this article is to characterize the risk of infection from airborne Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli exposure in commercial passenger trains based on a risk-based probabilistic transmission modeling. We investigated the tuberculosis (TB) infection risks among commercial passengers by inhaled aerosol M. tuberculosis bacilli and quantify the patterns of TB transmission in Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR). A deterministic Wells-Riley mathematical model was used to account for the probability of infection risk from M. tuberculosis bacilli by linking the cough-generated aerosol M. tuberculosis bacilli concentration and particle size distribution. We found that (i) the quantum generation rate of TB was estimated with a lognormal distribution of geometric mean (GM) of 54.29 and geometric standard deviation (GSD) of 3.05 quantum/h at particle size ≤ 5 μm and (ii) the basic reproduction numbers (R(0) ) were estimated to be 0.69 (0.06-6.79), 2.82 (0.32-20.97), and 2.31 (0.25-17.69) for business, standard, and nonreserved cabins, respectively. The results indicate that commercial passengers taking standard and nonreserved cabins had higher transmission risk than those in business cabins based on conservatism. Our results also reveal that even a brief exposure, as in the bronchoscopy cases, can also result in a transmission when the quantum generation rate is high. This study could contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of TB transmission in commercial passenger trains by assessing the relationship between TB infectiousness, passenger mobility, and key model parameters such as seat occupancy, ventilation rate, and exposure duration.

Construction Project Management and Insurance Program for Taiwan High Speed Rail Project

The main purpose of the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) project is connecting the major cities of Taiwan, Taipei in the north and Kaohsiung in the south. With the total construction investment amounting to approximately US$15 billion, this project is the world’s largest build/operate/transfer (BOT) construction project (in dollar terms) and is also Taiwan’s first BOT infrastructure project. The construction of the THSR commenced in March 2000 and operations began in January 2007. The experience and lessons gained in the THSR project are useful for countries and regions lacking such expertise and still in need of such infrastructure. This paper discusses key aspects of the THSR project, including procurement strategy, the tender process, construction project management, and the Owner Controlled Insurance Program.

Near-bankruptcy of the Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation: What Went Wrong?

After a few delays, the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR), which is the largest current Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Railway Project in the world, with eight stations on the line connecting the metropolises of Taipei and Kaohsiung, began its passenger service in January 2007. However, by February 2009, it became very clear that the Taiwan area government must take over the THSR Corporation (THSRC) in one way or another, because the latter had already mired in enormous debts, loosing roughly two thirds of its capitalization. The THSR was only able to break even once in April 2008. This paper spells out the major reasons behind the project’s near-bankruptcy. Some questions will be posed: Who are involved? Who should be responsible for the failure? Should business entrepreneurs venture into High Speed Rail (HSR) projects in the future?

Owner-Controlled Insurance Program and Construction Project Management for Taiwan High Speed Rail Project

The Taiwan High Speed Rail project connects two major cities of Taiwan—Taipei and Kaohsiung. The US$15 billion project is Taiwan’s first build-operate-transfer (BOT) project and is also the world’ s largest BOT project. Taiwan’s government contracted with Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC) for the railway’s construction and operation. Upon the expiration of the concession period lasting 35 years, the system will be transferred to the Taiwanese government. This paper focuses on the civil works contracts for the project and discusses the procurement strategy, tender process, construction project management and the owner-controlled insurance program. The author finds that officials for the Taiwan High Speed Rail project placed too much emphasis on the issue of whether or not the government would need to spend public funds on the project to make a fair and prudent judgment in evaluating the tender. Although the railway system was built on schedule due to effective and sound construction management and insurance strategies, THSRC now faces an impossible financial challenge operating the railroad and a government takeover may be necessary to rescue the corporation.

The lesson learn of non-self financing ability BOT project: large-scale rail transportation systems in Taiwan

Finance–base or Service Delivery approaches were utilized to dominate BOT projects but both approaches require a reasonable self–financing ability ratio (SFA). In addition, few studies show successfully implemented BOT schemes with low SFA. To examine the heuristic rule, two cases including one of the largest BOT projects, Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Transportation Plan, are used to conduct interview correspondence, close examination, and analysis of the document of concessionaire selection. We draw on the experience of the process of the Large–scale Rail Transportation concessionaire selection practices where the story of PPP s projects remains limited worldwide. In our case, government involves financing the BOT project to provide a long–term loan guarantee for the private sector on the finance aspect. The issues which cause BOT construction to be costly as well as

Applying price and time differentiation to modeling cabin choice in high-speed rail

This paper applies price differentiation of time segment, service class, and advance purchase to modeling cabin choice behavior. The proposed model was constructed with combining revealed-preference and stated-preference and validated by the case of reserved and unreserved-seat cabins in Taiwan high-speed rail. Furthermore, this study also investigates the effect of seat uncertainty in order to estimate its monetary value. The empirical results reveal that time discount and seat available definitely act as important roles on cabin choice behavior as well as fare level. Scenario analysis suggests cabin allocation should vary with time segment and trip characteristics.

Theory and Technology for Standard WiMAX Over Fiber in High Speed Train Systems

In this investigation, we propose and investigate the standard WiMAX access in high speed railway (HSR) using radio over fiber (RoF) link. We also discuss the theory of mobile WiMAX at a target speed of 300 km/hr in simulation. We also analyze the effect of the Doppler frequency shift over HSR. The effective transmission fiber length in the WiMAX-RoF system was limited due to the time-division-duplex (TDD) protocol in the practical WiMAX. Thus, we also demonstrate the transmission limitation and performance of the standard WiMAX access in RoF link. The performances of throughput and packet loss at different fiber lengths are also investigated and discussed. Furthermore, a WiMAX-RoF field trial is also demonstrated based on a simple two RAUs RoF architecture. It was tested and measured in the SongShan tunnel of the Taiwan high speed railway (THSR).