Using timetabling optimization prototype tools in new ways to support decision making

Abstract

The Swedish infrastructure manager Trafikverket is funding research for timetabling optimization tools as part of their overall mission to utilize the existing infrastructure more efficiently. Currently, Trafikverket is modernizing both planning processes and the IT architecture, and will soon be ready to start using optimization tools on a broad scale. Meanwhile, innovative uses of a prototype developed at SICS has shown how a prototype does not necessarily merely serve to pave the way for a future, large-scale implementation. This paper shows how computers in railway planning, coupled with OR techniques, relevant data and apt modeling, can help provide a future user with valuable insights even before the fully-fledged tool is in place. © 2012 WIT Press.