Train network simulator for support of network wide planning of infrastructure and timetables

摘要

The Dutch rail network system is among the world's most heavily loaded and highly interconnected train networks. The network-wide timetable changes every year, due to an ever-changing market demand of freight and commuter transport. Furthermore, the network is constantly expanded in the form of new infrastructure, in order to cope with the increasing market demand. This turbulent environment makes the task of deciding where to develop new railway infrastructure, and how and where to allocate network capacity to train operating companies, very complex. Up until now, the network wide planning of infrastructure and timetables was a very static task, whereeas the outside world-the train network in reality - is very dynamic.