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Rail Transit Scheduling – Special Challenges

This paper describes how the primary goal of transit agencies is to move passengers within the shortest time possible with the least amount of operating expenses, while optimizing the use of their assets. This requires efficient scheduling and vehicle utilization by minimizing unnecessary movement and layovers, and cost-effective driver utilization by minimizing unproductive allowances while also conforming to complex union agreements and work practices, which may vary from agency to agency. These processes may not seem very challenging, but as schedulers know, they require in-depth skill and extensive experience, coupled with the use of computer-based tools. Regardless of the size of the transit agency, its complex work rules and operating practices can make the processes too difficult to be accomplished without the help of sophisticated computer packages using mathematical algorithms perfected through years of research. The paper also describes how transit scheduling techniques and processes developed for bus transit over the years are applicable to rail transit. However, unique operational considerations for rail need special tools and procedures. As more and more transit agencies are operating multi-modal systems, the need for efficient rail scheduling with the best possible operational efficiency is getting increasingly important. Realizing this need, vendors of commercial scheduling software have added special functions for managing transportation modes such as rail and tram. However they are far from perfect. Utilizing available functions in Trapeze FX and Block Buster, this challenge was met at Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority for meeting requirements of their complex working practices, pocket tracks and tail-end operations, single and double driver drop-backs, special non-revenue staff trips, train destination numbering systems, and managing and scheduling interlocking operators and station managers. Vendors must continue to improve their packages to meet the challenges of complex rail operating requirements and the high expectations for making multi-modal systems work with the highest level of efficiency and public service.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Print
  • Pagination: 4p
  • Monograph Title: Investing Today for a Brighter Tomorrow. Proceedings of the 2006 Rail Conference

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01033527
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 1931594236
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Sep 29 2006 10:37AM