Anselmo Stelzer

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 customer feedback in public transportation systems

As recent studies have shown, compared to other sectors the customers of public transportation services are unsatisfied with regard to the service quality. One mayor source of the dissatisfaction is caused by missing or inconsistent information about the duration and route of planned trips in case of disruptions. Existing possibilities to interact with the transportation company generally does not lead to changes in the disruption management process. To overcome these limitations, we propose to use mobile communication techniques to transfer bi-directional information between the customer and the transportation company via an information platform. This allows to include on-site information from customers in operational decisions as well as fast and consistent information in case of plan changes. Therefore, our proposed solution allows structural process changes which would increase the customer satisfaction by means.

Evaluation of Dispatcher Requirements on Automated Customer Feedback in Public Transport

This paper presents a study to analyze fundamental requirements for dispatching systems in public transport, integrating the new technical possibilities of automated customer feedback. Dispatchers in German transport companies are surveyed on their acceptance and expectations, regarding the integration of automated customer feedback in their dispatching decisions. The results serve as a basis for the user-oriented development of dispatching and mobile information systems in public transport with bi-directional communication.

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.