Integrated Optimization of Rolling Stock Scheduling and Flexible Train Formation Based on Passenger Demand for an Intercity High-Speed Railway

Peng Zhao, Yawei Li, Baoming Han, Ruixia Yang and Zhiping Liu
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Peng Zhao: Department of Traffic and Transportation, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
Yawei Li: Department of Traffic and Transportation, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
Baoming Han: Department of Traffic and Transportation, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
Ruixia Yang: Department of Traffic and Transportation, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
Zhiping Liu: College of Rail Transit, Cangzhou Jiaotong College, Cangzhou 061199, China

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 9, 1-22

Abstract: The key features of an intercity high-speed railway (IHSR) include its high frequency, the short intervals, and the short distances covered. The mode of rolling stock scheduling generally uses fixed segments. In view of the fact that intercity passenger demand has the characteristics of large fluctuations in terms of time and direction, the use of the traditional rolling stock scheduling plan with a fixed train formation will result in a mismatch between the train formation and passenger demand. In order to improve the matching of train formation and passenger demand and increase the utilization rate of rolling stocks, this paper puts forward the concept of flexible train formation by time period and constructs an integrated optimization model of the rolling stock scheduling and flexible train formation based on passenger demand. The model aims at minimizing the number of rolling stocks, the amount of coupling/decoupling necessary, and the deadhead time. The model takes into account constraints such as the connection method used, the source and destination of the rolling stock, the total amount of rolling stock, and the use of a flexible train formation. In addition, the Gurobi solver is used to accurately solve the problem through the linearization of the model. This paper also provides an example of the Beijing–Tianjin IHSR as a verification of the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model. The example compares the indicators in the fixed and flexible train formation modes. The results of the research show that, on the premise of meeting passenger demand, the flexible train formation mode can reduce the cost of rolling stock; increase the efficiency of rolling stock; improve the balance of rolling stock scheduling; and, consequently, provide a reference for the optimization of rolling stock scheduling plan with the background of “cost reduction and efficiency increase” in the railway industry.

Keywords: flexible train formation by time period; passenger demand; rolling stock scheduling plan; fixed train formation; flexible train formation; turnaround and connection mode (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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