Author(s)

H Haugland & H P Krane

Abstract

Planning of railways operation is in its nature complex and has many inherent discrepancies. The approach to this planning can be top-down (focus on total system) or bottom-up (focus on support systems for specific planning). A brief overview of Norway’s railway system and recent development is given. The ‘European model’ with a split between train operating companies (TOCs) and infrastructure provider / regulator (IPR) has been implemented. Characteristics of the traditional planning process and new requirements to planning are discussed. The ‘waterfall model’, possibilities for iterations and interactions between the many participators in the process are the main issues. A brief presentation of the main planning tools in NSB (and JEW) are given, with a few comments to the present status. Interaction between systems and their support to the planning activities are essential here. We discuss some of our experiences within the planning field from the last years. Effects of the split TOCs/IPR, introduction of new systems and formalising the planning process are some keywords here. Finally we point out some main challenges within the planning field and what we believe will be the way ahead. Alternative plans, focus on costs and scarce resources, and key improvements required are among our keywords.

Keywords