Evaluation of an Integrated Real-Time Rescheduling and Train Control System for Heavily Used Areas

Abstract

Capacity bottleneck areas in rail networks are especially prone to delays due to the highnumber of train interactions and therefore require special attention. Increasing demandfor service requires that even more trains will be operated within these areas. Therefore,the production process in these bottleneck zones must be adapted to the new trafficdemands. To achieve this goal, a combination of real-time rescheduling and train controlis under development by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) in cooperation with theSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH). This paper describes the method andresults of a study that simulated how such an approach might work in the area aroundLucerne. The study helped identify important parameters and the potential benefits of this approach