Andreas Oetting

Modeling capacity consumption considering disruption program characteristics and the transition phase to steady operations during disruptions

Abstract In passenger railway transport, acceptable operational quality levels and transparent passenger information are necessary – especially during larger infrastructural disruptions. One approach to achieve this objective are disruption programs (DRPs). Disruption programs are sets of pre-defined dispatching measures in case of certain (infrastructural) disruptions with the goal of ensuring stable operations during a disrupted situation. They are planned and negotiated in advance. Since they are already prepared, they are faster to implement and easier to communicate than ad-hoc dispatching measures. The operational quality of a DRP depends strongly on the development of the transition phase. In this context, the transition phase describes the process of stabilizing the operations of a railway network from the beginning of the disruption until steady operations during a disruption as foreseen in the DRP. The described research proposes a method of determining additional parameters which allow modeling the capacity consumption of DRP turning stations during the transition phase. The proposed method helps to estimate the feasibility of a DRP in advance. This leads to DRPs with better operational results and thus to better acceptance and a wider implementation of the concept.

Evaluating Novel User Interfaces in (Safety Critical) Railway Environments

In this paper we present a research facility for railway operations, the Eisenbahnbetriebsfeld Darmstadt (EBD) as simulation environment. Here, new operational and dispatching software for a safety critical environment can be thoroughly evaluated. In three expert and two user evaluations it could be shown that the EBD is a well-suited environment for testing as an extension to traditional methods. On the one hand, implementing software in the EBD can be done in a timely manner and at relatively low costs. Also, it is possible to trigger certain disruptions and malfunctions at will which would be impractical in real operations. On the other hand, studies have shown that users are really keen on testing in the EBD and that their mood is constantly good all along.

Using Diary Studies to Evaluate Railway Dispatching Software

In this paper, we present the application of User Diaries in the context of connection dispatching. Connection dispatching is a field with quickly rising requirements which also affect the used dispatching support software. The usage of User Diaries will be motivated for this specific domain. The diary will briefly be presented as well as the results of the study. We will point out the advantages and disadvantages using User Diaries in the given context.

Conflict resolution measures for connection dispatching

Abstract In this paper we present conflict resolution measures in connection dispatching suitable for railway transportation companies without having full access to relevant data. The presented measures do not only cover classical waiting/non-waiting-strategies but also alternative dispatching measures if a distributor train cannot wait. The fact of unknown travel chains and insufficient data availability is respected. Different solutions for a connection conflict are generated depending on travel destinations. Conflict resolution measures are divided into those that can be applied within the railway system and those that are outside the railway system. Each of the considered measures has been analysed by the use of a formalized procedure to get a structured prospect on background, impact, operability, compatibility and quantifying parameters. The procedure is explained by giving several examples. Finding conflict solutions, the focus is to achieve the highest possible completeness regarding potential solutions. At the same time, to reduce computing time, heuristic approaches are applied. The presented measures enable transportation companies to implement a system which calculates conflict resolution proposals to support the connection dispatching staff. This leads to a more automated, more transparent and more efficient dispatching process which results in more satisfied travellers.