A Mixed Integer Linear Programming Model for Train Service Improvement

An optimal train schedule enables the railway system to serve maximal passengers with limited resources. However, inappropriate train services may cause a diversity of adverse impacts such as service delay and long waiting times. This study aims to improve train service with a new schedule compared to the existing train schedule. To develop an alternative train service with a schedule solution, a mixed integer linear programming model is developed. A comparison between the existing train service and an alternative service is conducted based on a subset railway network in New South Wales, Australia. Numerical results proved that the alternative train service outperforms the existing one with regard to delay time and train capacity.