Author(s)

M.T. Claessens

Abstract

A mathematical program is developed in order to determine an optimal train allocation. This allocation optimizes: # which trains to assign to long distance routes and which trains to assign to local routes. • the frequencies to operate at, and • the length of trains. The optimization model leads to a non-linear, partially quadratic mathe- matical program for which no standard solution technique is yet available. A heuristic approach is developed and numerically illustrated. This illustra- tion supports a practical usefulness and further investigation of the model. 1 Introduction 1.1 Background Dutch Railways (In Dutch: Nederlandse Spoorwegen) has experienced an explosive growth of train usage over the last decade (From 1980 through 1990 the average number of train users has nearly doubled). In response, a large scale program called Rail 21

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