Testing a high frequency timetable concept with railway traffic operators in a multi-actor simulation setting

As part of future changes in the infrastructure and timetables in the Netherlands, ProRail – the Dutch railway infrastructure manager - and NS – the principle passenger railway operator - use gaming simulations to test... [ view full abstract ]

As part of future changes in the infrastructure and timetables in the Netherlands, ProRail – the Dutch railway infrastructure manager - and NS – the principle passenger railway operator - use gaming simulations to test concepts and train operators. A recent case will be highlighted, i.e. the investigation of a frequency increase of trains in 2018 on the corridor Amsterdam – Utrecht – Eindhoven. On this heavily used trajectory the frequency of intercity trains increases to every ten minutes. The goal of the simulation sessions is to explore the impact of risks and for operators to provide feedback and solutions, next to familiarizing themselves with the new concept. Four simulation days were held with about 50 people participating in this multi-actor simulation setting including actors, facilitators and observers.