Traffic regulation algorithm for metro lines with time interval deviations

When a train is delayed because of a disturbance, the time interval between successive trains increases, and high-frequency metro lines can become unstable. Time interval control is therefore necessary in preventing such instabilities. In this paper, we propose a traffic regulation algorithm which is easy to implement and guarantees system stability. In the proposed method, controlled trains are determined from time interval deviations between successive trains, and the control algorithm for both staying time and running time is designed using a discrete traffic model to ensure an optimal time interval between successive trains. The results of a computer simulation are also given to demonstrate the validity of the proposed algorithm.