Application of a Mixed Integer Programming Model in Coordinating Stopping Schedules of Intra- and Inter-trains for a High Speed Rail Line

Abstract

In a high speed rail network, there are usually two types of trains running on a single rail line, which are intra-trains and inter-trains. Inappropriate stopping schedules for both types of trains may cause negative influence on train operation, e.g., stopping schedules lack regularity, inter-trains consume too much route capacity of intra-trains, and intra-passengers are transported by inter-trains instead. This paper applies a mixed integer programming model in coordinating stopping schedules of intra- and inter-trains for a high speed rail line. The goal is to increase regularity of both types of trains on a main rail line, in the meanwhile, to rationalize the division of labor of intra- and inter-trains in term of transporting intra- and inter-passengers. A numerical experiment is implemented based on a real-world instance. The results show that a series of coordination indicators are improved compared to those of an original train stopping schedule, which demonstrates the effectiveness of our application approach.