Optimal Design of Train Operation Mode of High-speed Railway Cyclic Timetable

The train operation mode of cyclic timetable means that trains with same stops arrive, depart or pass through stations on their way at regular intervals. Currently, its application in high-speed railways in China is still in its infancy, with the exception of some lines operating a small number of cyclic trains stopping at high-class stations on the hour. Quantitative research is inadequate on optimal design of cyclic operation mode. This paper aims to study the method of reasonably establishing the cycle time and cyclic level according to the operation condition and passenger flow characteristics of each line. An integer linear programming model was established to solve the train line plan based on different cycle time, to provide direct service for the most passenger flow ODs with the least number of train lines. The calculation methods of cyclic operation mode evaluating indicators, including cyclic level, direct rate of passenger flow and transfer time, were proposed. Two case studies of the Shanghai - Nanjing intercity railway and Beijing - Shanghai high-speed railway were carried out to validate the effectiveness of the model. The proposed approach can effectively solve the quantitative optimization problem of cyclic operation mode, especially the key parameter of cycle time. © 2023 Science Press. All rights reserved.