Collaborative Optimization of Passenger Control Strategy and Train Operation Plan with Variable Formations for a Rail Transit Network

We proposed a passenger control strategy and train operation plan collaborative optimization (PCS&TOP) model to schedule the train operation that improves the efficiency of passengers' travel and reduces the cost of train operation for a rail transit network. The model is an integer non linear programming model that aims to minimize the entrance and platform waiting time of passengers and the operation cost of trains. The timetable and variable train formation are integrated optimized, and the turnaround of rolling stock is also considered by constructing the train operation constraints for the model. The coordination of timetables on different lines and the coordination of passenger control strategies at different stations are mentioned by considering the transfer passengers when constructing the passenger control constraints. To solve the model, a multi-operator simulated annealing (MOSA) algorithm that includes three types of execution operators corresponding to three main decision variables is proposed. A numerical case that includes 2 bidirectional crossed lines and a real-world case from China are introduced to test the efficiency of the proposed method, which demonstrates better performance than the single and respective optimization solutions.