Optimization System of Reserved/Non-reserved Seating Plans for Improving Convenience and Revenue on Inter-city Trains

摘要

Seating plans for reserved / non-reserved seats on inter-city express trains do not necessarily correspond to passenger demand which may vary depending on many factors such as calendar day and / or service section. This mismatch may cause inconvenience to passenger due to congestion experienced on board trains and may cause revenue loss for railway operators. A prototype was developed for a seating allocation optimization system, which is expected to be an effective solution to overcome these problems. Case studies were conducted which showed that optimizing seating plans can be expected to improve both passenger experience and railway operator revenues.