Impact of a First-In–First-Out Rule on the Merge of a Metro Line with a Junction

Abstract

On a metro line with a junction, the merge of the line is a key point for the operation. This paper proposes a discrete event traffic model for a metro line with a junction. It is based on the line’s existing signaling system and determines trains’ departure times at all line nodes. Furthermore, the model estimates trains’ average headway and frequency. We apply our model to Paris metro line 13, which is currently not operated with a FIFO (first-in–first-out) rule on the merge. Thus, we seek to evaluate the effect of a FIFO rule on the nominal frequency. Compared to the current line operation, we also test the FIFO rule as a control strategy for daily disturbances. At the steady state, we show that the train frequency is maximized regardless of the distribution of the trains on the three parts of the line (the central part and two branches). Then, we study the train frequency in two disturbed situations that often occur on a metro line. We show that the FIFO rule reduces the impact of these disturbances in time and intensity. This research is motivated by the Paris metro operator, as the considered line is expected to be fully automated in the coming years. The operator wants to better understand the potential benefits of new operating rules and how operating protocols can improve the throughput and reliability of the system. This work is the first step in seeing frequency evolution on a line with a junction.