scholarly journals An Evaluation Framework and Algorithms for Train Rescheduling

Algorithms ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 332
Author(s):  
Sai Prashanth Josyula ◽  
Johanna Törnquist Krasemann ◽  
Lars Lundberg

In railway traffic systems, whenever disturbances occur, it is important to effectively reschedule trains while optimizing the goals of various stakeholders. Algorithms can provide significant benefits to support the traffic controllers in train rescheduling, if well integrated into the overall traffic management process. In the railway research literature, many algorithms are proposed to tackle different versions of the train rescheduling problem. However, limited research has been performed to assess the capabilities and performance of alternative approaches, with the purpose of identifying their main strengths and weaknesses. Evaluation of train rescheduling algorithms enables practitioners and decision support systems to select a suitable algorithm based on the properties of the type of disturbance scenario in focus. It also guides researchers and algorithm designers in improving the algorithms. In this paper, we (1) propose an evaluation framework for train rescheduling algorithms, (2) present two train rescheduling algorithms: a heuristic and a MILP-based exact algorithm, and (3) conduct an experiment to compare the two multi-objective algorithms using the proposed framework (a proof-of-concept). It is found that the heuristic algorithm is suitable for solving simpler disturbance scenarios since it is quick in producing decent solutions. For complex disturbances wherein multiple trains experience a primary delay due to an infrastructure failure, the exact algorithm is found to be more appropriate.

2021 ◽  
pp. 107754632110079
Author(s):  
Bin Wang ◽  
Dengke Yang ◽  
Xinrong Zhang ◽  
Xingheng Jia

This study investigates the constraint-force driven control problem of virtual coupling. To solve the constraint force, the explicit equation of vehicle motion with equality constraints is established using the Udwadia–Kalaba approach. First of all, this study introduces a brief overview of virtual coupling concepts in the European Railway Traffic Management System and some scenes of virtual coupling. The control method is proposed to enable the mechanical system to follow the designed constraint. Moreover, the dynamic model for virtual coupling problem is established. Second, combined with the dynamic model, the equation constraint is designed to make the rail vehicle movenment reach the control objective. By solving the equation based on the Udwadia–Kalaba approach, the control inputs that can render the vehicle to move along the desired trajectory. Third, numerical simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in virtual coupling problem.


Author(s):  
Hatem Abou-Senna ◽  
Mohamed El-Agroudy ◽  
Mustapha Mouloua ◽  
Essam Radwan

The use of express lanes (ELs) in freeway traffic management has seen increasing popularity throughout the United States, particularly in Florida. These lanes aim at making the most efficient transportation system management and operations tool to provide a more reliable trip. An important component of ELs is the channelizing devices used to delineate the separation between the ELs and the general-purpose lane. With the upcoming changes to the FHWA Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, this study provided an opportunity to recommend changes affecting safety and efficiency on a nationwide level. It was important to understand the impacts on driver perception and performance in response to the color of the EL delineators. It was also valuable to understand the differences between demographics in responding to delineator colors under different driving conditions. The driving simulator was used to test the responses of several demographic groups to changes in marker color and driving conditions. Furthermore, participants were tested for several factors relevant to driving performance including visual and subjective responses to the changes in colors and driving conditions. Impacts on driver perception were observed via eye-tracking technology with changes to time of day, visibility, traffic density, roadway surface type, and, crucially, color of the delineating devices. The analyses concluded that white was the optimal and most significant color for notice of delineators across the majority of subjective and performance measures, followed by yellow, with black being the least desirable.


Author(s):  
Shuai Ling ◽  
Shoufeng Ma ◽  
Ning Jia

AbstractThe rapid development of economics requires highly efficient and environment-friendly urban transportation systems. Such requirement presents challenges in sustainable urban transportation. The analysis and understanding of transportation-related behaviors provide one approach to dealing with complicated transportation activities. In this study, the management of traffic systems is divided into four levels with a structural and systematic perspective. Then, several special cases from the perspective of behavior, including purchasing behaviors toward new energy vehicles, choice behaviors toward green travel, and behavioral reactions toward transportation demand management policies, are investigated. Several management suggestions are proposed for transportation authorities to improve sustainable traffic management.


2022 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 0-0

This paper introduces a new approach of hybrid meta-heuristics based optimization technique for decreasing the computation time of the shortest paths algorithm. The problem of finding the shortest paths is a combinatorial optimization problem which has been well studied from various fields. The number of vehicles on the road has increased incredibly. Therefore, traffic management has become a major problem. We study the traffic network in large scale routing problems as a field of application. The meta-heuristic we propose introduces new hybrid genetic algorithm named IOGA. The problem consists of finding the k optimal paths that minimizes a metric such as distance, time, etc. Testing was performed using an exact algorithm and meta-heuristic algorithm on random generated network instances. Experimental analyses demonstrate the efficiency of our proposed approach in terms of runtime and quality of the result. Empirical results obtained show that the proposed algorithm outperforms some of the existing technique in term of the optimal solution in every generation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (188) ◽  
pp. 137-148
Author(s):  
Janusz Poliński ◽  
Krzysztof Ochociński

Digital transformation in the railway industry is an important element in the development of railways and should benefit commuters, railway operators, infrastructure managers and rolling stock manufacturers. The process of digitization applies to two domains, i.e. customer service and railway companies’ operation. This paper aims to present previous eff orts regarding the use of digital technologies in customer relations and in the field of operations and maintenance, which translates into the quality of services provided. This paper highlights important concepts of this domain with respect to passenger and freight transport, infrastructure, railway rolling stock and railway traffic management. It is also argued that the process of digitization needs properly trained staff . Examples of innovative initiatives of Polish and European railway companies are covered. Keywords: railway transport, digitization, digitization of the railways


Inventions ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 68
Author(s):  
Juan D. Borrero

Climate and social changes are deeply affecting current agro-food systems. Unsustainable agricultural practices and the low profitability of small farmers are challenging the agricultural development of rural areas. This study aims to develop a novel, modular and low-cost vertical hydroponic farm system through reviews of the patented literature, research literature and variants of commercial products. After a detailed conceptualization process, a prototype was fabricated and tested at my university to validate its technology readiness level (TRL). The outcomes supported the usability and performance of the present utility model but highlighted several changes that are necessary before it can pass to the next TRL. This study shows that the prototype has the potential to not only solve food sovereignty but also to benefit society by advancing the innovations in food production and improving quality of life.


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