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Predicting on-time performance in scheduled railroad operations: methodology and application to train scheduling

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  • Hallowell, Susan F.
  • Harker, Patrick T.

Abstract

In previous work, the authors developed an analytical line delay model for analyzing rail line-haul operations, and validated the model as a predictive tool. This paper examines the application of the model as a prescriptive tool for the generation of train schedules. A unique feature of the model is that it incorporates dynamic meet/pass priorities in order to approximate an optimal meet/pass planning process. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to examine the application of the model for adjusting real-world schedules to improve on-time performance and reduce delay. This empirical work represents the first attempt to investigate the impacts of the scheduling methodology on on-time line-haul performance. The problems are based on historical data from a major North American railroad.

Suggested Citation

  • Hallowell, Susan F. & Harker, Patrick T., 1998. "Predicting on-time performance in scheduled railroad operations: methodology and application to train scheduling," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 32(4), pages 279-295, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:transa:v:32:y:1998:i:4:p:279-295
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Leachman, Robert C. & Jula, Payman, 2012. "Estimating flow times for containerized imports from Asia to the United States through the Western rail network," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 48(1), pages 296-309.
    3. Carey, Malachy, 1999. "Ex ante heuristic measures of schedule reliability," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 33(7), pages 473-494, September.
    4. Kroon, Leo & Maróti, Gábor & Helmrich, Mathijn Retel & Vromans, Michiel & Dekker, Rommert, 2008. "Stochastic improvement of cyclic railway timetables," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 42(6), pages 553-570, July.
    5. Rietveld, P. & Bruinsma, F. R. & van Vuuren, D. J., 2001. "Coping with unreliability in public transport chains: A case study for Netherlands," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 35(6), pages 539-559, July.
    6. Rietveld, P. & Bruinsma, F.R. & Vuuren, D.J. van, 1999. "Coping with unreliability in public transport chains," Serie Research Memoranda 0031, VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Economics, Business Administration and Econometrics.
    7. Chow, Andy H.F. & Pavlides, Aris, 2018. "Cost functions and multi-objective timetabling of mixed train services," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 335-356.
    8. Törnquist, Johanna, 2007. "Railway traffic disturbance management--An experimental analysis of disturbance complexity, management objectives and limitations in planning horizon," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 41(3), pages 249-266, March.

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