A study of homogeneity of operating programs on operation quality considering the occupancy of infrastructure. Issue 1 (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cao, Nan; Martin, Ullrich
• Is Part Of: Journal of rail transport planning & management. Volume 7:Issue 1/2(2017)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 18
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: Capacity research -- Scheduling -- Operating program -- Homogeneity -- Occupancy of infrastructure -- Operation quality -- Efficient use of the infrastructure; Railroads -- Periodicals; Railroads -- Planning -- Periodicals; Railroads -- Management -- Periodicals; Railroads; Railroads -- Management; Railroads -- Planning; Periodicals; 385.068
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jrtpm.2017.05.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-9706

Abstract

Abstract: The homogeneity of operating programs plays a significant role in the efficient utilization of a railway network. During last decades, many researchers tried to describe and/or define the homogeneity of operating programs in railway systems. According, there are several main methods to evaluate the homogeneity of operating programs considering variations in speed and headway. But, the occupancy of infrastructure has not been discussed in the existing definitions and methods. This article defines the homogeneity of operating programs from the perspective of the occupancy of infrastructure which can be characterized by variations in blocking time, buffer time and running direction. Based on this definition, a new occupancy based method to evaluate homogeneity of operating programs is presented in this paper. By this method, the homogeneity of operating programs can be calculated based on the blocking times, buffer times and running directions without identifying other factors such as the speed or length of a train. The occupancy based methodology is successfully used to quantify the homogeneity of railway operations, not only for track sections but for an entire network, which contributes significantly to the efficient utilization of complex infrastructure. Finally, the interrelationship between homogeneity of operating programs and operation quality is investigated. Highlights: An extended definition of homogeneity of operating programs has been developed based on the occupancy of infrastructure. Homogeneity of an operating program can be evaluated through three generic parameters. The individual influences from the three parameters of homogeneity on operation quality are investigated. The homogeneity of buffer time plays an import role in the operation quality.