An Integrated Method for Reducing Arrival Interval by Optimizing Train Operation and Route Setting

The arrival interval at high-speed railway stations is one of the key factors that restrict the improvement of the train following intervals. In the process of practical railway operation, sudden conflicts occur sometimes. Especially when the conflict arises at the station, because the home signal cannot be opened in time, the emergency may affect the adjustment of the train operation under the scheduled timetable, resulting in a longer train following interval or even delay. With the development of artificial intelligence and the deep integration of big data, the architecture of train operation control and dispatch integration is gradually improving from the theoretical point. Based on this and inspired by the Green Wave policy, we propose an integrated operation method that reduces the arrival interval by avoiding unnecessary stops in front of the home signal and increasing the running speed of trains through the throat area. It is a two-step optimization method combining both intelligent optimization and mathematical–theoretical analysis algorithms. In the first step, the recommended approaching speed and position are obtained by analytical calculation. In the second step, the speed profile from the current position to the position corresponding to the recommended approaching speed is optimized by intelligent optimization algorithms. Finally, the integrated method is verified through the analysis of two distinct case studies. The first case study utilizes data from the Beijing–Shanghai high-speed railway line, while the second one is based on the field test. The numerical result shows that the proposed method could save the entry running time effectively, compared with the normal strategy given by the train driver. The method can mitigate controllable conflict events occurring at the station and provides theoretical support for practical operation.