An analytical model for controlling disruptions on a metro line

Authors

Carlos E. Bueno-Cadena
Juan Carlos Munoz
Alejandro Tirachini

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2020

Subject Area

mode - subway/metro, operations - performance, technology - intelligent transport systems

Keywords

Disruptions, Speed control, Train holding, Real-time control, Transit operations

Abstract

A control framework is developed that regulates a Metro-type rail line in the presence of disruptions while taking into account the tradeoff between user and operator (energy consumption) costs. Unlike approaches based solely on computational intensive optimization models, the proposed methodology is based on three eminently solvable analytical models. These formulations sequentially apply train holding and speed control strategies with the objective of reducing social cost. In the initial phase immediately following a disruption, one of the holding models determines the magnitude of the holds to be imposed on each train on the line. Once the trains are moving again and the recovery period begins, the other holding model and the speed control model take over, defining respectively the train holdings at each of the stations and the train speeds between them. Simulation results demonstrate that the framework’s performance is similar to that of an optimization model applying overall control to the entire system. The methodology can also be used to reveal the effects of different relevant parameters on the control decisions to be taken.

Rights

Permission to publish the abstract has been given by Elsevier, copyright remains with them.

Comments

Transportation Research Part C Home Page:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/0968090X

Recommended Citation

Bueno-Cadena, C.E., Munoz, J.C., & Tirachini, A. (2020). An analytical model for controlling disruptions on a metro line. Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, Vol. 117, 102669.