Shunting of Passenger Train Units in a Railway Station

In this paper we introduce the problem of shunting passenger trainunits in a railway station. Shunting occurs whenever train units aretemporarily not necessary to operate a given timetable. We discussseveral aspects of this problem and focus on two subproblems. Wepropose mathematical models for these subproblems together with asolution method based on column generation. Furthermore, a newefficient and speedy solution technique for pricing problems in columngeneration algorithms is introduced. Finally, we present computationalresults based on real life instances from Netherlands Railways.logistics;column generation;railway optimization;real world application

Study on the Train Operation Optimization of Passenger Dedicated Lines Based on Satisfaction

The passenger transport demands at a given junction station fluctuate obviously in different time periods, which makes the rail departments unable to establish an even train operation schedule. This paper considers an optimization problem for train operations at the junction station in passenger dedicated lines. A satisfaction function of passengers is constructed by means of analyzing the satisfaction characteristics and correlative influencing factors. Through discussing the passengers’ travel choice behavior, we formulate an optimization model based on maximum passenger satisfaction for the junction and then design a heuristic algorithm. Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the application of the method proposed in this paper

Shunting of Passenger Train Units in a Railway Station

In this paper we introduce the problem of shunting passenger train units in a railway station. Shunting occurs whenever train units are temporarily not necessary to operate a given timetable. We discuss several aspects of this problem and focus on two subproblems. We propose mathematical models for these subproblems together with a solution method based on column generation. Furthermore, a new efficient and speedy solution technique for pricing problems in column generation algorithms is introduced. Finally, we present computational results based on real life instances from Netherlands Railways

Shunting of Passenger Train Units: an Integrated Approach

In this paper, we describe a new model for the Train Unit Shunting Problem. This model is capable of solving the matching and parking subproblems in an integrated manner, usually requiring a reasonable amount of computation time for generating acceptable solutions. Furthermore, the model incorporates complicating details from practice, such as trains composed of several train units and tracks that can be approached from two sides. Computation times are reduced by introducing the concept of virtual shunt tracks. Computational results are presented for real-life cases of NS Reizigers, the main Dutch passenger railway operator.Optimization;Passenger Railways;Shunting

Shunting of Passenger Train Units: an Integrated Approach

In this paper, we describe a new model for the Train Unit Shunting Problem. This model is capable of solving the matching and parking subproblems in an integrated manner, usually requiring a reasonable amount of computation time for generating acceptable solutions. Furthermore, the model incorporates complicating details from practice, such as trains composed of several train units and tracks that can be approached from two sides. Computation times are reduced by introducing the concept of virtual shunt tracks. Computational results are presented for real-life cases of NS Reizigers, the main Dutch passenger railway operator

Intégration de la planification des opérations et de la gestion du revenu pour le transport ferroviaire de marchandises

Dans cette thèse, nous nous intéressons à l’analyse de l’intégration de processus décisionnels issus de la gestion des revenus aux politiques de gestion des opérations d’un transporteur ferroviaire de marchandises. Les entreprises de services de ce secteur sont tributaires de nombreuses op´erations logistiques complexes dont : – l’élaboration des politiques de blocage et de routage des wagons, – la planification du routage, de l’habillage et des horaires des trains, – la gestion des opérations des cours de triage, – l’affectation des locomotives, – le repositionnement des wagons vides, – la planification des horaires des équipages. Les études traitant de transport ferroviaire de marchandises, bien que nombreuses, ne considèrent typiquement qu’un sous-ensemble des activités mentionnées. En effet, la taille et la complexité des problèmes résultant de la combinaison des opérations identifiées représentent des obstacles au développement d’approches m´ethodologiques intégrées. De plus, peu de chercheurs se sont penchés sur la mise en place d’outils de gestion des revenus dans le secteur du transport de marchandises par rail et ce malgré l’impact majeur de ceux-ci en transport aérien notamment. Dans un premier temps, nous illustrons donc l’état de la recherche dans les deux sphères d’étude présentées afin d’établir de façon claire la problématique qui sera traitée. Pour ce faire, nous recensons les principales contributions scientifiques et nous introduisons les concepts qui seront fondamentaux au positionnement de cette thèse par rapport aux récentes publications proposées dans la littérature. Une fois l’axe de recherche identifié, nous présentons quelques formulations décrivant l’intégration proposée selon que le niveau de planification privilégié soit opérationnel ou tactique. ----------- ABSTRACT This thesis studies the integration of decision processes based on revenue management with operations planning policies of a rail freight carrier. Services companies in this field must face complex logistic operations such as : – block planning and car routing, – train routing, makeup and scheduling, – yard management, – locomotive assignment, – empty car repositioning, – crew scheduling. Even if freight rail transportation problems have been thoroughly analyzed in the past, they typically consider only a subset of the operations mentioned. The size and the complexity of combining the identified problems have prevented the development of integrated methodological approaches. Moreover, few researchers have tackled the challenge of proposing revenue management tools for freight rail applications despite their major impact in air transportation for instance. First of all, we describe the current state of research for the two fields presented in order to clearly establish the problem that will be addressed. We therefore review the main scientific contributions and introduce the fundamental concepts that will enable us to position ourselves in relation to recent publications. Once the research perspectives are identified, we present some formulations describing the proposed integration according to the chosen planning level, which could be either operational or tactical. These help to highlight the combined management decisions related to the development of the operating plan and those arising from tariff policies dictated by the company. Through bilevel programming we study user behavior in response to different pricing strategies while considering network capacity resulting from the operational policies of the carrier