A queueing-based approach for timetable-independent railway station performance analysis

Abstract

Railway stations serve as critical nodes within railway networks, facilitating connections across diverse travel directions. Traditionally, the analytical performance analysis of railway stations has been divided into two distinct components: the examination of stopping tracks and the evaluation of route nodes, the locations within a station where switches determine the direction of travel. This study introduces an innovative Continuous-Time Markov Chain model that represents a comprehensive queueing system encompassing the entire railway station. By deriving timetable-independent performance indicators, this model provides a robust framework for assessing station performance. Consequently, it equips infrastructure operators with a holistic tool for infrastructure planning and evaluation.