Route-Based Intermediate and Terminal Station Capacity Models for High-Speed Rail

Abstract

Stations serve as critical capacity bottlenecks within a high-speed rail (HSR) system, where the interaction among trains on different routes plays a pivotal role in determining overall capacity. Past studies have often neglected to delve into the nuanced influence of specific route combinations on station capacity. This research addresses this gap by focusing on intermediate and terminal (turn-back) stations as spatial reference points. We introduce route-based capacity models and simulation processes to assess station capacity, considering potential headways among adjacent trains. Our approach utilizes a hybrid process, seamlessly integrating analytical techniques with simulation methods. Initially, several trains with various route possibilities are generated by simulation, and their corresponding average headways are analytically computed. The proposed models and processes are validated using the Taiwan HSR network. The results conclusively demonstrate the efficacy of our approach in evaluating HSR station capacity, offering valuable insights for station capacity assessment and management during the planning, design, and operational phases.