Author(s)

A. Stolk

Abstract

This paper describes conflict detection and advanced decision support in the control of route setting operations, leading to optimal usage of railway infrastructure. Such a system is currently in development at the Netherlands Railways. By accurately forecasting train movements, conflicts can be detected in advance. A decision support module gives a what-if scenario, presenting alternative options to solve the selected conflict. Available measures are weighed by the system, using a cost function, and presented to the operator sorted on overall quality. Using Operations Research Techniques a generic system is obtained, giving reliable evaluations of the problem in short response times. 1

Keywords