Assumptions and simulation of passenger behaviour on rail platforms

Abstract

Current techniques of travel demand management are based on the simulation of users' reactions to implement strategies. Indeed, the correct modelling of user behaviour may be considered important for managing public transport systems. Especially in high-density contexts, performance of the masstransit system may represent one of the main tools of decision-makers for affecting users' choices. In this article, we focus on the behaviour of users waiting on rail/metro platforms, analysing boarding priorities when a train arrives based on the traditional First In-First Out (FIFO) approach and comparing it with Random In-First Out (RIFO) behaviour. The approaches are then applied in the case of a real metro line operating under different congestion levels.