Effective passenger flow congestion propagation model for multi-mode rail transit networks

During peak passenger flow periods, congestion propagation directly affects the operational safety and efficiency of multi-mode rail transit interconnections. By analyzing the key factors affecting congestion propagation, such as the train stop schedule, and considering parameters such as the basic reproduction number and propagation threshold, this study proposes a multi-mode rail transit susceptible-infected-recovered-susceptible (MRT-SIRS) epidemic model to analyze passenger flow congestion propagation. Simulation experiments and sensitivity analyses using data from the multi-mode rail transit in Beijing, China, were conducted to examine the influence mechanism of key factors on congestion propagation. The degree of influence of each factor was investigated using Gray correlation analysis. Each key factor, including the propagation and recovery rates, influences congestion propagation differently. The results of this study may provide theoretical support for the efficient operation and management of multi-mode rail transit systems.