Author(s)

R M P Goverde & M A Odijk

Abstract

Efficient evaluation and comparison criteria of network timetables are not yet well-defined and planners usually have to rely on time-consuming simulations of (sub) networks. PETER (Performance Evaluation of Timed Events in Railways) is a new analytical tool that quickly assesses network performance indicators in a deterministic setting corresponding to the design times used in timetable construction. A timetable represents the steady-state according to which trains should operate. Timetable performance is then analysed as the effort of returning to the steady-state after disruptions. Systems of interconnected train services have a special structure that can be described by (max, +) recursions, resulting in a linear system in max-plus algebra. Efficient algorithms have been developed to analyse such systems in real-time. Performance indicators include cycle times, throughput, and stability margins, which are related to critical circuits in the train network. Timetable robustness is analysed by cumulative recovery times and delay propagation.

Keywords