Train traffic control at suburban sections

Abstract

Objective: There is a necessity to determine an approach to the development of train traffic control theory at suburban sections, on the basis of the analysis of conventional methods of train traffic control and service situations. Methods: Simulation methods, design theory and train traffic graphing were applied in the study. Results: The possibility of developing the conventional method of commuter service organization on railroads was demonstrated by means of a new data modeling approach, underlying the system of traffic handling capacity of suburban districts. It was shown, that the basis of such a technology is a train schedule modification. It was established that the schemes on selecting schedule modification, compiled in accordance with the standard methodology, may in some cases present the solutions different from conventional. It was concluded that an unexpected result might be achieved in case of simultaneous alteration of both the initial length of suburban zones and initial number of zone trains, that is zone schedule modeling, and elements of traffic schedule within regions, assigned in accordance with its periods and called configurations. The necessity in determination and modeling of configurations was justified by practical demand in traffic volume account of different types of trains at suburban sections. The simplest example of schedule modification and capacity values response to mutual position of trains and schedule elements in configurations was introduced. Practical importance: New theoretical conclusions, obtained as a result of the analysis of suburban areas’ length modeling results, the number of zone suburban trains and their position in configurations along with freight and passenger trains, provide justification of and scientific background for efforts of creating a new methodology of train traffic control at suburban sections. Such a methodology, built on the principles of zone schedule integrated modeling and the introduced traffic schedule configurations, makes it possible to considerably increase the flexibility of commuter service organization, achieve the reduction of passenger time spent on a trip and train expectation with guaranteed execution of the fixed schedule. According to the conducted analysis, the introduced approach may have positive influence on the capacity of suburban sections as well.