Modelling and simulation of rail passengers to evaluate methods to reduce dwell times

Perkins, Adam; Ryan, Brendan; Siebers, Peer-Olaf

Abstract

The paper outlines a feasibility study using modelling and simulation to reduce dwell times and increase rail network capacity. We use agent based modelling, where passengers are treated as a separate entities, basing their movements on rules from the Social Force Model (SFM), proposed by Helbing to model pedestrian dynamics. Implementing this SFM, together with a novel decision making system for passengers' door choices, a mesoscopic model is produced of the platform, train and passengers. An outline of the modelling process is presented, along with a critical analysis of the final model. Analyses are conducted to evaluate novel concepts in train and platform design, to reduce loading times, using passengers with a range of attributes. In a simulation experiment, four concepts (wider doors, designated boarding/alighting doors, and an active passenger information system) are assessed, with the latter two giving reductions in loading times of 7.0% and 7.3%.

• Publication Date: Sep 23, 2015
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• APA6 Citation: Perkins, A., Ryan, B., & Siebers, P. (2015). Modelling and simulation of rail passengers to evaluate methods to reduce dwell times
• Keywords: agent-based modelling, simulation, rail passengers, dwell time reduction
• Related Public URLs: http://toc.proceedings.com/28112webtoc.pdf
• Copyright Statement: Copyright information regarding this work can be found at the following address: http://eprints.nottingh.../end_user_agreement.pdf
• Additional Information: Published in: Proceedings of the International Conference on Modeling and Applied Simulation 2015 / Agostino G. Bruzzone ... [et al.], eds. Rende, Italy : CAL-TEK, c2015, p. 132-141. ISBN 9781510813861.