Dr.METRO: A Demand-responsive Metro-train Operation Planning Program

초록

This paper addresses Dr.METRO that means a demand responsive metro train operation planning program. Dr.METRO involves several key functions for metro train operation planning such as data handling of passenger traffic, demand forecast, train scheduling, schedule-based traffic assignment, train sequencing for train-set operation. Amongst the functions, historical passenger traffic data is obtained by smartcard. These days, smartcard systems are very common in most of big cities over the world. Particularly, over 90% of passengers in Seoul and 50% of passengers in Korea use the smartcard for public transportation. Dr.METRO can identify passenger traffic patterns and demand in a quite high accuracy level for individually targeted train line with plenty of traffic data from smartcard. Dr.METRO constructs a train schedule with mathematical model of train scheduling and a optimization-based commercial library to solve the model. The mathematical model is formulated to a mixed integer programming model that encompasses commonly standard operating rules and infrastructural parameters for scheduling of metro trains. Dr.METRO can handle both of all-stop and skip-stop train operation that is a key function to operate express and normal trains at a same line. Dr.METRO installs a versatile train diagram editor to cut-and-paste, change stop-pattern and train-speed (angle), group selection and shift, etc. Also, Dr.METRO can transfer data with a commercial spreadsheet program such as Excel to allow interface with a planner. Dr.METRO can estimate degree of load factor for every train and segment by newly developed schedule-based traffic assignment function. The function assigns estimated numbers of passengers to every change of train schedule in a few minutes. Thus a planner can improve his train schedule in a point of passenger ridership-pattern. Lastly, Dr.METRO provides train-sequencing plan for efficient train-set operation. Specially developed heuristic algorithm is used to minimize wasting time of a train-set in a depot for turn-around to next train service. Dr.METRO is developed to a stand-alone program with compact and open structure. It can be installed at individual planners' desk-top. Thus a planner can use Dr.METRO for creative modification of his train schedule quantitative analysis for passenger rider-ship pattern to the schedule separately.