Dynamic train formation and dispatching for rail transit based on virtually coupled train set

Virtually coupled train set (VCTS) provides new prospects for dynamic train formation and dispatching method for rail transit. A new method that considers the distribution of passenger flow is put forward to improve transportation efficiency and achieve transportation capacity configurable. The dynamic train formation technology is presented to coordinate and dispatch all running trains in virtually coupled train set. After dispatching methods based on the form of train formation are discussed in details, the dynamic train formation technology connotations are then expatiated. The adaptability of the technology to the unbalanced spatial and temporal distribution of passenger flow is analyzed. According to dynamic train formation technology, an integer nonlinear programming model which is suitable for real-time passenger flow is proposed to make spatial-temporal dispatching. Finally, actual data of the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway is used to verify the proposed model. The optimal solution can be found using Lingo11.0 in 6 seconds. Compared with the existing methods, the vacant seat mileage is reduced by 20%-40% and the passenger load factor is increased by 5%-10% by applying the proposed method. We show that the model is adaptable to the unevenly spatial-temporal distributed passenger flow. The proposed model effectively enhances the configurability of transportation capacity that fits the characteristics of passenger flow.