ON-TIME

Optimal Networks for Train Integration Management across Europe

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The aim of this project is a step-change in railway capacity by reducing delays and improving traffic fluidity. This will be achieved by a partnership between railway industry experts, system integrators, small dynamic knowledge led companies and academic researchers. There are 4 levels of work: L1: High level principles, definitions and requirements to direct research L2: Methods and algorithms derived from L1 that improve capacity and reduce delay L3: Functional components using L2 methods and algorithms to show improvement in capacity and delay; and architecture linking the functional components, including information definitions, to distribute those components across environments and countries. L4: Demonstrators to show that the functional components can be built into industrial-strength systems The project will draw on previous research projects and national trials. Previously, railways have improved their own networks to remove bottlenecks and increase fluidity. Such changes have generally been done “ad hoc” so results and best practice have not been shared. Previous relevant academic research has, in general, been based on algorithm development. To apply the results of such research needs an understanding of the practical operating principles and the nature of delay initiation and propagation. This project will address both issues and deliver research-based results that can be freely applied to commercial traffic management and traffic planning tools.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

An EU-funded project is making European trains more punctual and efficient. It will remove bottlenecks and delays, meaning more reliable and faster rail transport.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Europe is investing heavily in the renewal of its railway network, funding numerous rail projects, including those that improve maintenance and freight capacity. A further area for improvement is train logistics and scheduling.

Such are the goals of the 'Optimal networks for train integration management across Europe' (http://www.ontime-project.eu/ (ON-TIME)) project. With EU funding of EUR 5.4 million, the 19-member consortium aimed to improve railway planning and operations management. ON-TIME will target management of both passenger and freight services.

The project's goal is to improve customer satisfaction through increased capacity and reduced delays. This will be achieved via nine specific objectives, covering minimisation of bottlenecks, improvement of timetables, reduction of delays and improvement of traffic flow. The project also aims to provide customers with reliable and timely information concerning disruptions, to improve standardisation and to improve logistical efficiency.

During the first 18 months the project defined the scope of its work, and developed a Quality of Service cost function for evaluation. Additionally, the team completed a review of the state of the art, which included detailed requirements. An initial framework was also developed for the optimisation of timetables as well as the ability to cope with all kinds of perturbations. ON-TIME developed a standard driver advisory system between control centres and trains as a basis for a European standard. The project also developed the needed models of railway architecture, and selected demonstration locations throughout Europe that will cover all types of train services.

The consortium developed plans for exploitation and dissemination activities, the latter of which is specified in a supplementary document.

When complete, ON-TIME will have developed several key innovations addressing its objectives. The result will be general improvements to the logistical and scheduling efficiency of the European train network.