Studies in Railroad Operations and Economics. Volume 14. Models for Investigating Train Connection Reliability at Rail Classification Yards.

摘要

This report presents models for predicting train connection performances at rail freight classification yards. The probability of making a connection is influenced by the time available to make the connection,dispatching policy,traffic volumes,priorities,train reliability,and overall yard performance. The report contains models of the probability of making a train connection that were calibrated for four Southern Railway hump yards. These models can be used with train schedule information to predict average yard times. In this report,several examples demonstrate ways to improve yard performances:avoiding tightly scheduled connections,revising train schedules,improving train reliability,reducing train and block cancellations,and adjusting classification policy as the traffic mix changes. Several of these are illustrated with data developed during the Southern Case Study. The report closes with recommendations for improving yard performance.