Comprehensive effect of operational factors on transport efficiency of a high-speed railway train

Abstract

Based on computer-aided simulation studies, the comprehensive effect of target speed, Passenger Capacity Utilization Rate (PCUR) and formation of a High-Speed Railway (HSR) train on its transport efficiency is analysed in this research. It is found that if the target speed of a HSR train is no lower than approximately 80 % of its designed top speed, the time expense per unit of the passenger-kilometres completed by this train will be relatively very small when the PCUR of the train becomes more than about 60 %. From the perspectives of both efficiency and sustainability, it is suggested that the PCUR of a HSR ought to be over 60 % and, meanwhile, its target speed should be about 80 % of its designed top speed. In addition, the long formation of a HSR train is preferred if its PCUR can be kept over 60 %.

Keywords

• high-speed railway train
• Passenger Capacity Utilization Rate (PCUR)
• simulation analysis
• target speed
• train formation
• transport efficiency