Algorithms and control systems for computer-aided train dispatching

Peter Hellström (Dalarna University , School of Engineering, Borlänge), Ingemar Frej and Anders Gideon (Swedish National Rail Administration, Head Office, Engineering Department), Bengt Sandblad.

Algorithms and control systems for computer-aided train dispatching Peter Hellström, Ingemar Frej, Anders Gideon, Bengt Sandblad World Congress on Railway Research, 16-19 November 1997, Florence, Italy. Proceedings volume C, pp. 613-619.

Abstract

All railway companies try to attain more regular and reliable train services, in order to be able to offer their customers a higher reliability and flexibility. The present, expensive, strategy is increasing "physical" capacity. A more cost effective alternative is to first, as far as possible, improve quality in the train control process itself. The most important factor in this process is the train dispatcher, who from a control centre supervise (monitor and control) the movements of trains. The dispatchers chances to, in an active way, plan and control the train traffic is often crucial for how different disturbances effect train delays. Within this research area, one focus has been on development of algorithms and systems, which support optimal computer-aided train dispatching in real-time (CATD-RT). We present a brief overview of existing knowledge and research and some important findings from a survey based on a set of interviews with dispatchers and train traffic experts. Also indicated are further studies necessary in order to, at the end, be able to successfully implement a system of this kind.

Keywords: Train traffic control, decision support, optimisation algorithms, systems analysis

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