A multi-agent simulation based train platforming research for facilitating passenger transfer in a high-speed railway station

• Published in: Simulation modelling practice and theory 2024-01, Vol.130, p.102856, Article 102856
• Main Authors: Zhang, Hongxiang, Guo, Miao, Hu, Liuyang, Lu, Gongyuan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Conflict-free route; Convenient transfer connection; High-speed railway station; Multi-agent simulation; Train platforming problem
• ISSN: 1569-190X; 1878-1462
• DOI: 10.1016/j.simpat.2023.102856

The train platforming problem is one of the most investigated topics in the train operation field. However, a systematic understanding of how train platforming improves the convenience of passenger transfer procedures is still lacking. To face the rapidly growing transfer demands in the high-speed railway station, this paper proposes a transfer-facilitating-oriented train platforming approach based on a multi-agent train operation simulation model. By evaluating the transfer connection quality using an indicator named Transfer Connection Strength(TCS), which considers transfer distance and transfer time, the proposed transfer-facilitating-oriented train platforming strategies can establish more convenient transfer connections and so improve the transfer service. A track occupation horizon based on the modelling of accurate train running processes is utilized to detect route conflicts and guarantee conflict-free train operations in the simulation model, enabling the solutions’ feasibility of train platforming to be taken into account. A series of simulation experiments are conducted using real data of Zhengzhou East station. The experiment results show that, the proposed transfer-facilitating-oriented train platforming strategies are capable of obtaining a greater number of convenient transfer connections. The feasibility can be guaranteed by permitted train delays and route conflict detection for succeeding trains. Additionally, the platform assignment plans can be generated with a specified priority of transfer distance or transfer time.