Applications of real-time speed control in rail-bound public transportation systems

This study gives an overview on applications of speed optimisation as one control measure for intelligent traffic management in rail-bound public transportation systems. The concept of operational target points and target windows is introduced. Speed and dwell time control are used to reach these targets, thereby improve throughput through system-related bottlenecks and reduce energy consumption. Different rail-bound transportation systems are compared and requirements for the application of speed control are derived. Case studies for three different rail-bound passenger transportation systems are presented that demonstrate the potential effects of these control methods on energy consumption and timetable deviation. These control strategies can be implemented using driver advisory systems (DAS) or fully automatic train operation (ATO).