Optimization and simulation for robust railway rolling-stock planning

Alain Billionnet, Sourour Elloumi, H. Djellab and 
Olivier Guyon
2017
Publication type:
Paper in peer-reviewed journals
Journal:
Journal of Rail Transport Planning & Management
Keywords :
Integer linear programming; Robustness; Optimization; Railway management; Rolling-stock planning;
Abstract:
In this paper, we focus on the problem of robust rolling-stock planning for French passenger trains. First, we characterize robustness and define some indicators for the evaluation of rolling-stock rosters. We take a particular interest in homogenizing turning-times in a roster in order to absorb potential delays. Then, we propose a new approach to solve the problem of robust rolling-stock planning. The SNCF reference tool (PRESTO) calculates a solution to the rolling-stock planning problem. It consists of a multi-step approach to cover demand while minimizing operating costs, and to further add maintenance slots to the roster. We propose an integrated ILP model to add robustness to a roster while maintaining low operating costs compared to PRESTO. We have carried out tests on nine real French regional transport instances, and we use a simulation module to evaluate the results. We observe a significant improvement in robustness indicators while maintaining low operating costs and meeting maintenance requirements.
BibTeX:
@article{Bil-Ell-Dje-Guy-2017,
    author={Alain Billionnet and Sourour Elloumi and H. Djellab and 
           Olivier Guyon },
    title={Optimization and simulation for robust railway rolling-stock 
           planning },
    doi={10.1016/j.jrtpm.2017.02.001 },
    journal={Journal of Rail Transport Planning & Management },
    year={2017 },
}