Optimizing Slack Time Allocation in Train Timetable: A Two-Stage Stochastic Recourse Model
Slack time allocation, heterogeneity of paths and capacity utilization have great impact on the reliability of timetable. Aiming at the factor of slack time allocation, we proposed a two-stage stochastic programming with recourse model to optimize slack time allocation in timetable on high-speed passenger dedicated lines, in which the first-stage model formalize the slack time allocation in the timetabling phase, while the second-stage model simulates the execution of timetable with consideration of train dispatching behaviours. A genetic algorithm was designed and implemented to solve the mathematical model. Numerical experiments were conducted to test effects of the proposed method. The results show that slack time allocation has great impact on the timetable reliability and the presented method in this paper could improve the quality of slack time allocation by 10% on average.