INFLUENCING FACTORS ON TRAIN PUNCTUALITY: RESULTS FROM SOME NORWEGIAN STUDIES

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2004

Subject Area

operations - scheduling, planning - methods, mode - rail

Keywords

Trains, Timetables, Schedules and scheduling, Railroad trains, Railroad grade crossings, Punctuality, Passenger volume, Passenger trains, Passenger service, Operations, On time performance, Norway, Level crossings, Highway railroad grade crossings, Highway rail intersections, Grade crossings, Empirical methods, Boarding and alighting

Abstract

A key performance indicator for the railroad industry is train punctuality. This paper discusses the concept of train punctuality, influencing factors and strategies for improving punctuality. An overview of important elements to consider in the preparation of train punctuality improvements is considered, supported by empirical results from studies in Norway. A high capacity utilization is widely assumed to reduce punctuality. However, the studies from the Oslo area show that capacity utilization alone cannot explain all variations in punctuality during the day. The number of passengers in the trains can also be an additional explanation factor. This study and previous research imply that the key success factor for punctuality on local and regional trains in congested areas in the management of boarding and alighting passengers. However, on single track lines, such as long distance lines and regional lines in non-congested areas, the key success factor seems to lie in the management of train crossings. Precision versus slack strategies are also considered as a means of improving punctuality.

Comments

Transport Policy Home Page: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/0967070X

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