Enhancing Rail Transport Planning Using Microsimulation and Stochastic Models

A Case Study Based on the National Transport Plan (NTP) 2025-2036

This project delved into the intricacies of rail transport planning by analysing scenarios outlined in the Norwegian National Transport Plan (NTP) for the years 2025 to 2036. The approach involved microsimulation, leveraging infrastructure data extracted from RailML-nor files obtained from NorRailView.

Key steps included testing and fine-tuning preliminary draft timetables to ensure their suitability for simulation. The overall management of timetable models was overseen by Jernbanedirektoratet, while the refinement and optimisation process was led by trenolab. Insights drawn from stochastic simulations informed decisions, allowing the creation of robust models.

The integration of stochastic simulation support across all proposed models facilitated direct comparisons, enabling the derivation of foundational data for reporting purposes. This work contributes to the advancement of efficient and reliable rail transport systems, aligning with the NTP’s long-term vision.

Our tasks:

  • Infrastructure planning
  • Running time calculation
  • Timetable design
  • 2023/05 - 2023/12
  • Norway
  • Jernbanedirektoratet
  • Integrated Service and Infrastructure Planning
  • TRENOplus, trenissimo