Optimization-based train timetables generation for Taiwan high-speed rail system considering circulation and disturbances

As more and more governments are planning or constructing their high-speed rail (HSR) systems, the central control mechanism of such systems, i.e., train timetables, should be investigated more in order to cope with various disturbances due to disasters. Several optimization-based approaches have been successfully utilized for generating stable and reliable train timetables; however, few researchers have considered train circulation issues, especially for HSR systems, even though it could be such a way to reschedule the timetable against disturbances. This research proposed a scheduling optimization model that has the capability to accommodate not only basic requirements but train circulation as well for Taiwan HSR system. The sensitivity analysis was applied in order to identify how disturbances propagate in the original timetable and which actions to be taken in order to mitigate the impact instead of cancelling trains. With proper enhancement, the proposed model could be a good simulation tool to help predict the effect of disruptions on the timetable without doing real experiments.