Improving the Efficiency of Rail Passenger Transportation Using an Innovative Operational Concept

Abstract

In an increasingly fast-paced world, emerging mobility demands must be met by competitive services that are in line with the principles of sustainable transportation concepts. It is not possible to know exactly what the mobility solution of the future will be, but it is certain that it will require a reduction in car use. A dramatic increase in energy prices will have an impact on the transportation sector, but making public transportation attractive to large numbers of people could reduce unit costs. Public transportation systems can be made more efficient through flexible transportation concepts and by combining individual passenger demand for travel. In the field of rail passenger transportation, practice uses fixed timetables, which do not take into account the changes in ad hoc travel needs. This results in significant losses due to unjustified unnecessary stops and longer travel times. This article presents an operational concept that enables ad hoc passenger demands to be met. The concept ensures minimum energy consumption and a higher level of passenger demand satisfaction through multilevel demand management. A case study was presented to prove the developed theory.