The train really moves!

We have changed our phone number!

After a long wait, trenolab finally has a new broadband internet connection! Unfortunately, we were forced to change our landline number.

The new number is +39 0481 286430. We hope to hear from you soon!

trenolab

With the same passion and care of a carpenter giving shape to wood, trenolab blends big data analysis, sophisticated simulation, remarkable experience and passion to develop effective solutions for improving railway operations.

Our highly skilled team of transport, railway and computer experts combine professional experience with the latest findings from academic research. In only a few years we have become a worldwide leader in operations planning for all types of rail-based transport from metros to high-speed lines, for projects ranging from day-to-day operations to long-term planning.

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Our services

trenolab’s core business is helping railways optimise the quality of their operations. From long-term infrastructure planning to short-term timetable adjustments, we support railway operating companies, public authorities and infrastructure managers in planning efficient and robust timetables for purposes including schedule optimisation, infrastructure planning, franchise development and concession bids.

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Our tools

trenolab has developed a suite of software tools designed to help us quickly and effectively solve complex railway operations problems. As developers we are able to customise our software to consider unique situations and explore innovative and new approaches to railway management.

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How we work

We use the “Planning Loop” approach to provide highly accurate results. The Planning Loop consists of analysing current operations, creating timetable planning scenarios, developing and validating simulation models, using the models to assess alternatives, and analysing the results.

1
Analysis
2
Modelling and Validation
3
Planning
4
Simulation of Alternatives
5
Analysis of Results

Analysis

The first step in the planning process is to understand real operations by analysing aggregated operational data, such as station passing times, track circuit data, on-board train monitoring and ticketing data. This analysis provides a vast series of diagrams and statistics for further analysis including the identification of disturbances and critical points. This analysis often suggests simple improvements to increase system performance.

Modelling and Validation

The second step in the planning process is to create a microscopic simulation model of the current operations. After validating the model under undisturbed conditions, the operational variables (departure delays, dwell times, and driving styles) that characterise current operations are inserted. These variables are derived by filtering out the effects of delay propagation from the analysis of current operations. The simulation is repeated with the operational variables following a Monte Carlo approach until a satisfactory residual delay is obtained when comparing aggregated model outputs to real delays.

Planning

The main outcome of analysing and simulating current operations is a deep understanding of the critical timetable, infrastructure and process elements. Using our understanding of these elements and considering the time-horizon and other goals of the clients, we propose alternative scenarios designed to help improve service quality with a minimum investment cost.

Simulation of Alternatives

The alternative scenarios are tested using the same inputs and Monte Carlo approach used in the simulation of current operations. This ensures that they are tested under realistic conditions, and that the results are consistent. In the case of longer-term scenarios or when major changes in the operational conditions are expected, a sensitivity analysis of variable delays or dwell times is used to estimate the robustness of alternatives under variable conditions.

Analysis of Results

In this final step, the outcomes of all simulation scenarios are compared using the same diagrams and statistics used to analyse current operations. In addition to helping planners understand the weaknesses and strengths of all scenarios, this approach directly compares current operations to proposed alternative scenarios using the same KPIs used in practice to benchmark the quality of railway services.

Our tools

TRENOplus is a powerful timetable planning tool developed from scratch to take maximum advantage of the latest research in network analysis modelling and algorithms. It integrates a macroscopic model and the trenissimo microscopic model into a package that supports users in estimating running times for use in planning timetables and infrastructure at different levels of detail.
Understanding the processes and dynamics of real operations is a key factor for successful railway planning. Even the best planned timetables can show unsatisfactory reliability when put into operation. TRENOanalysis identifies, measures and visualizes the causes and impacts of delays or real railway traffic and thereby helps planners develop effective measures to maximise service quality.

Get a test drive of trenissimo

trenissimo is a new tool designed to make the train simulation more intuitive, accurate, and effective. Intuitive thanks to a smart, comfortable, state-of-the-art user interface. Accurate thanks to its ability to fully consider everyday variations in railway operations. Effective thanks to its integration in the TRENO suite, which significantly reduces the time needed to setup and perform railway planning and simulation. Discover it at InnoTrans!

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