Optimising train movements through coastcontrolusing genetic algorithms

Speed adjustment braking of Automatic Train Operation (ATO) system is studied in this paper. The characteristics of the train traction and the single phase of speed adjustment during the train braking are firstly described. Then, a mathematical model is introduced with the form of the experimental data. A Fuzzy-PID switching controller is first proposed on the ATO system, thus improving the response of the system and accuracy. Finally, the braking method is shown to be true and comfortable for the passengers through the smooth switch numerical example.

The automatic train operation (ATO) system of urban rail trains includes a two-layer control structure: upper-layer control and lower-layer control. The upper-layer control is to optimize the target speed curve of ATO, and the lower-layer control is the tracking by the urban rail train of the optimal target speed curve generated by the upper-layer control according to the tracking control strategy of ATO. For upper-layer control, the multi-objective model of urban rail train operation is firstly built with energy consumption, comfort, stopping accuracy, and punctuality as optimization indexes, and the entropy weight method is adopted to solve the weight coefficient of each index. Then, genetic algorithm (GA) is used to optimize the model to obtain an optimal target speed curve. In addition, an improved genetic algorithm (IGA) based on directional mutation and gene modification is proposed to improve the convergence speed and optimization effect of the algorithm. The stopping and speed constraints are added into the fitness function in the form of penalty function. For the lower-layer control, the predictive speed controller is designed according to the predictive control principle to track the target speed curve accurately. Since the inflection point area of the target speed curve is difficult to track, the softness factor in the predictive model needs to be adjusted online to improve the control accuracy of the speed. For this paper, we mainly improve the optimization and control algorithms in the upper and lower level controls of ATO. The results show that the speed controller based on predictive control algorithm has better control effect than that based on the PID control algorithm, which can meet the requirements of various performance indexes. Thus, the feasibility of predictive control algorithm in an ATO system is also verified.

Automatic train operation (ATO) system is one of the important components in advanced train operation control systems. Ideal controllers are expected for the automatic driving function of ATO systems. Aiming at the intelligence requirements of the systems, an NSGA-II-based parameter tuning method for the fuzzy immune PID (FI-PID) controller and a grey model GM(1,1)-based fuzzy grey immune PID (FGI-PID) controller were proposed. Taking a maglev train’s model as the control object and a velocity-time curve as the input, the feasibility of the parameter tuning method for the FI-PID controller and the applicability of the FI-PID controller and the FGI-PID controller for the ATO system were tested. The results showed that the optimized parameters were ideal, the two controllers all showed good performance on the indicators of traceability and comfort level, and the FGI-PID controller performed better than the FI-PID controller. The results exhibited the effectiveness of the proposed methods.

This paper is to investigate the proper expansion planning of traction substations (TSS) for an electrified mass rapid transit (MRT) system. The motion equation of train sets is used to solve the mechanical power consumption at each time snapshot according to the operation timetable, the passenger ridership and various types of operation resistance. The mathematical models of power converters in traction substations for different operation modes have been derived. With all train sets operated along the main line, the AC/DC load flow analysis is performed to find power demand of all traction substations for annual system peak operation over the study period. The objective function is formulated by considering both the voltage drop of train sets and investment cost of traction substations as the equivalent cost of all feasible states of each year. By performing the dynamic programming (DP) to minimize the objection function, the expansion planning of traction substations to achieve the minimum overall cost has been obtained by identifying the optimal capacity and locations of new traction substations to be committed at each year.

In this chapter, background material and literature review on the operation of trains and on urban rail train scheduling are presented. In Sect. 2.1, the operation of trains is introduced, where the automatic train operation (ATO) system is explained in detail. In addition, a brief introduction to fixed block signaling systems and moving block signaling systems is also given. An overview of optimal control approaches for the trajectory planning of a single train and multiple trains is provided in Sect. 2.2. Section 2.3 introduces the urban rail transit scheduling problem is introduced. This chapter concludes with a short summary in Sect. 2.4.

The global population growth increased by 0.88% at the end of 2022 compared to the previous year. Jakarta and Singapore, as two densely populated areas in Southeast Asia, need to pay extra attention to the need for infrastructure, including adequate transportation systems. One of the prominent transportation modes in both regions is Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). MRT is an urban rail-based transportation mode aimed at providing regular and sustainable public services. The MRT system excels in capacity, speed, and reliability compared to other transportation modes, as it operates on fully separated tracks. Despite both regions having MRT systems, there are differences in several aspects. This research is conducted using a qualitative method, applying techniques such as the analysis of literature. The differing aspects between the Jakarta MRT and the Singapore MRT are headway (time between trains) and payment methods. The Singapore MRT has a smaller headway compared to the Jakarta MRT. The shorter the time, the better the service. In terms of payment methods, the Singapore MRT predominantly implements a cardless payment system, in contrast to the Jakarta MRT. The Jakarta MRT still offers the purchase of Single Trip Tickets and Multi Trip Tickets.

An automatic train operation (ATO) system is a crucial part of the communication-based train control (CBTC) system. It enables calculation and adjustment of train operation curve, which guarantees the efficient operation of urban rail transits. With limited computation resources, the present onboard ATO equipment cannot meet the latency-critical requirements of train speed profile calculation. Edge computing is considered as an effective approach to improve calculation capabilities of computation resource-constrained devices. This paper proposes an edge computing-enabled ATO system. A game-theoretic method is used to optimize the computation offloading process for the proposed system. We formulate the offloading decisions of multiple trains as a multi-user potential game. An optimal computation offloading scheme is obtained when multiple trains achieve the Nash equilibrium as game players. The numerical results certify the effectiveness of our proposed approach.

The traffic congestion in and around Tokyo has become intensified year after year, and the subway has come to be looked upon as the most effective way of eliminating it, or alleviating it to an appreciable extent at least. The Teito Rapid Transit Authority (TRTA) in Japan has had an automatic train control (ATC) system in operation for many years to ensure safety adequately while fully exploiting its service efficiency. In the face of ever-increasing population and transport demand, the Authority in its quest for higher efficiency and safety in train operation pioneered in developing an automatic train operation (ATO) system and has been testing it on the Hibiya Line since 1962. Under the ATO, all train functions-notch-in, power running, coasting, braking, and stopping--are performed automatically. The motorman simply presses a pushbutton to start the train, which then runs on safely under ATC and stops smoothly, accurately, and automatically at the next station. We are satisfied with the results of tests in regard to the durability, reliability, and accuracy of the system as well as in regard to riding quality. The Authority is convinced that by putting this new system into operation the ATO can carry on passenger service at a shorter headway, with greater safety and accuracy, and can expand traffic capacity to some extent. Further study is now under way to improve the system by combining a centralized traffic control system and an inductive radio system, in order to exercise group control over all the trains on the track.

This paper has presented a methodology to solve the optimal planning of inverter substations for an electrified mass rapid transit (MRT) system by using the genetic algorithm (GA). The mathematical models of power converters in traction substations have been derived for different operation modes. With the variation of power demand of train sets along the main line, the AC/DC load flow analysis has been performed to find the energy consumption and braking regeneration restoration at each power converting substation for system peak and off peak operation over the study period. The overall cost of power consumption, inverter investment, and service reliability are included in the objective function, and each feasible solution is expressed as a chromosome in the GA simulation process. The fitness is then enhanced by considering the diversity of chromosomes so that the global optimization during the solution process can be obtained. It is found that the energy regeneration, which has been resulted from braking operation of train sets approaching the next station, can be restored effectively by the optimal planning of inverters using the proposed genetic algorithm

This paper deals with the application of a heuristic-based evolutionary algorithms (EAs) on a specific industrial problem - the scheduling of rapid transit systems. The system under consideration is a medium-sized mass rapid transit (MRT) system and the dual objectives of minimizing operating costs and passenger dissatisfaction are considered. Making use of concepts such as Pareto-optimality and multiobjective evolutionary algorithms, the authors applied a multiobjective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) to solve the problem. Comparison studies were done with current method, obtaining satisfactory results.

The progressive industrialisation and urbanisation of urban areas have significantly altered hydrological factors such as terrain, imperviousness, and surface flow. These developments, accompanied by increased traffic congestion and carbon emissions, contribute to climate change. Consequently, implementing Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) systems is crucial for alleviating traffic congestion and reducing carbon emissions globally. However, the changes in urban hydrology following development, combined with increased rainfall due to climate change, exacerbate risks of flooding, erosion, and sedimentation for the MRT development and surrounding low-lying areas. Therefore, researching urban drainage systems under climate change conditions for MRT development is essential. This study utilised 1D/2D hydrodynamic modelling and simulation to investigate the performance of an existing MRT drainage system designed with a control-at-source concept and a new sustainable drainage system incorporating infiltration engineering and flow-retarding techniques, including porous layers and a bioecological system to mitigate urban flooding erosion and sedimentation. The results show that the new sustainable drainage system, featuring permeable pavements and bioretention facilities, effectively integrates 30% of the MRT-developed land typology without requiring additional land acquisition, which is cost-effective and practical for mitigating major flooding and reducing total suspended solids, thereby controlling erosion and sedimentation.

A number of studies have examined the impact of mass rapid transit (MRT) systems, especially the transit station, on house prices, and the conclusions vary. While most studies focused on the analysis at an aggregate level, this paper develops a hierarchical hedonic price model of individual growth to investigate the effects of real estate’s proximity to the train stations, together with other house/neighborhood-specific characteristics, on the longitudinal growth pattern of house prices in Great Taipei. Sample houses are those located within a radius of one kilometer from selected MRT stations. The empirical results show that: (1) the growth pattern of housing price in real terms over time is significantly upward; (2) the city in which the house is located and the type of building positively moderate such growth trajectory; and (3) the influences of both the distance to MRT on house prices and on the growth pattern of house prices are insignificant. Discussion and implications of these findings were provided.

Mass rapid transit (MRT) systems are the backbone of transportation infrastructure in many cities. During emergencies, indoor subway stations become particularly susceptible to panic and overcrowding, making evacuation difficult. Therefore, simulating the evacuation and sheltering processes of a large number of individuals during emergencies is key in urban disaster response. In this study, a spatial evacuation risk model was used to enhance the safety of evacuation strategies in an MRT system. Data were collected on spatial architectural floor plans, and a database for communication and pedestrian flow was established. The behavioral patterns and distribution of individuals within stations and the characteristics of refuge spaces were also investigated. To simulate the processes of evacuation and sheltering, the Pathfinder evacuation simulation tool was used to construct a three-dimensional spatial model of a subway station. Specific scenarios were then constructed to simulate the procedures of evacuation and sheltering. Subsequently, the factors contributing to overcrowding-related hazards were analyzed to examine the spatial risks associated with crowd aggregation and evacuation and provide recommendations for improvement. Given its numerous advantages, this approach can serve as a valuable reference for conducting risk assessments in other large-scale crowd aggregation spaces.

The asymmetric effects of gasoline prices on public transportation use in Taiwan

As one of the primary business centers of China, Guangzhou has been undergoing rapid growth and expansion. Over the past decade, the Guangzhou Municipality Government has significantly upgraded its transport infrastructure, especially with the highly beneficial expansion of its Subway Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. Positive steps have also been taken to continue planning the construction of new roads, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and other transportation facilities. Further administrative and regulatory measures have also been implemented to control the situation, such as the banning of motorcycles from the central city area and the limitation of new automobile registrations. However, Guangzhou continues to face serious challenges of traffic congestion in and around the city center owing to further intensification of its population with economic growth. The need to ease Guangzhou’s stretched public transportation resources, and at the same time to support the realization of its “Eastward Advance” strategy, presents a unique challenge and opportunity to develop an advanced high-efficiency public transportation modality for Guangzhou, viz. the Group Rapid Transit (GRT) involving the use of automation-guided (driverless) smart-vehicles. This paper outlines the PRT/GRT (PRT: Personal Rapid Transit) smart-vehicle modality and also puts forth a proposal of Guangzhou’s first GRT route as the city’s first dedicated transportation link to the scenic landscape of the Eastern Tourism Zone. This GRT route will help in diffusing the city’s traffic congestion as well as support the effectuation of Guangzhou’s “Eastern Expansion” strategy, supplementing the ongoing expansion of the Guangzhou Municipality’s subway MRT networks.