GLOBAL CHALLENGES

High-Tech Solution for Transit Systems

Rebecca Kutzer-Rice | Date: 03-01-11 | Comments

Using computers and complicated algorithms, a team of researchers at Tel Aviv University in Israel have created a system to optimize commuter train schedules. Once implemented, the system could shave valuable time off of daily commutes.

Tough economic times and global warming threats mean that more people are relying on public transportation systems, like trains and buses, than ever. According to IAC, nearly six million Americans commute via public transit each day. Despite this demand, transit systems are facing budget cuts that leave them crowded and unreliable. Most commuters face delays and slow, unpleasant rides. Now, a high-tech computing system from researchers at Tel Aviv University in Israel could help reduce commute time and improve the efficiency of trains around the world.

Called the "Service Oriented Timetable," the solution was designed by Dr. Tal Raviv and graduate student Mor Kaspi, both of Tel Aviv University's Department of Industrial Engineering. The tool relies on computers to process complex algorithms and make commuter trains more efficient, especially when transfers are involved.

The new timetable system analyzes the total travel time of train passengers, including waits and transfers. Researchers hope the computer tool could optimize commutes for workers around the world.

"Our solution is useful for any metropolitan region where passengers are transferring from one train to another, and where train service providers need to ensure that the highest number of travelers can make it from Point A to Point B as quickly as possible," said Dr. Raviv in a statement.

Transfers complicate normally efficient timetables, as it becomes difficult to manage wait times between trains. Another complication is consumer preference. While most customers would prefer a direct train to their destination, this is impossible for most routes. Adding or removing stops benefits some passengers while delaying others. �The question is,� explain the researchers, �how to devise a schedule which is fair for everyone.�

�It's not about adding more resources to the system, but more intelligently managing what's already there,� Dr. Raviv explained in a statement.

Traditional train planning focuses on train frequency at specific spots. Departing from this convention, the new system �considers the total travel time of passengers, including their waiting time at transfer stations.� The timetable solution optimizes train schedules so that the most passengers make it to their destinations more quickly.

"Let's say you commute to Manhattan from New Jersey every day. We can find a way to synchronize trains to minimize the average travel time of passengers," said Dr. Raviv. "That will make people working in New York a lot happier."

The system has already been successfully simulated on the Israel Railway, in which average commuting time per passenger was reduced from 60 to 48 minutes. The researchers believe that their tool will be particularly helpful for countries and cities where train schedules are complicated and dynamic, such as in New York City.

Last November, the researchers won a prize from Railway Application Section of the International Institute for Operation Research and Management Science (INFORMS) for their computerized optimization of freight train refueling schedules. Dr. Raviv�s research focuses on other forms of public transportation, including bike-sharing programs.