Zugl.: Berlin, Techn. Univ., Diss., 2009

Zugl.: Dresden, Techn. Univ., Diss., 2009

Based on an initiative to increase the punctuality on Swedish railways in the short term, this study on potential for increased punctuality by adjustments in the train time schedule on The Western Main Line was initiated. This was done by examining alternatives with different adjustments based on today’s timetable. The goal with the study was to increase the punctuality for the highspeed trains on The Western Main Line by five percentage points. Additionally, the study had a purpose of testing if the Swiss concept of Taktfahrplan could be applicable on a Swedish railway. The adjustments of the timetable were based on three parameters that have impact on the robustness of a timetable; dwell time, allowance and headway between trains. Those were the parameters that were tested. Based on a literature study and data on today’s delays, punctuality and dwell times for the highspeed trains, the current situation could be analyzed. The analysis showed that the trains of today’s timetable departed densely in the mornings, the biggest amounts of trains were near the big cities, punctuality had improved from 2019 to 2020, problematic points with large delays existed around Hallsberg and Falköping and the performed dwell times were longer than the planned ones for every station. Based on the analysis of today’s situation, three case alternatives as well as an alternative for comparison were created. In case alternative 1, dwell times were extended for the highspeed trains stops, in alternative 2, allowance was added and in alternative 3, headway was extended at the start stations. Time schedules for the alternatives were created in RailSys and were then simulated on a selected stretch with a disturbance filter that was based on real distributions of delay. The results did not show considerable difference in punctuality for the case alternatives. However, alternative 1 and 2 showed improvement, while the punctuality was reduced in alternative 3. A fourth alternative was created, where the two cases that had led to improvement were combined. After simulation of alternative 4, it could be established that it was the case that provided the highest improvement in punctuality. A Taktfahrplan (regular departures and station meetings) was made in RailSys that showed how well such a timetable was applicable for the highspeed trains on The Western Main Line. The results turned out well because meeting spots for these trains, at half hour traffic and the selected stopping patterns, occurred most evidently at Katrineholm C, but also at Södertälje syd, Skövde C and Herrljunga. The conclusions of the study were that none of the alternatives led to a 5-percentage increase in punctuality. However, three cases led to increased punctuality, while one case produced decreased punctuality. The parameters that produced the highest increase in punctuality was the combination of dwell time and allowance adjustments. The consequences of the adjustments were longer planned driving times for the trains and lower capacity utilization on the track. Lastly, it was established that Taktfahrplan was applicable for the highspeed trains on The Western Main Line, but further analysis would be required before implementation, especially with consideration to planning for practical introduction.

Die Landtagsfraktion BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN setzt sich für eine deutlich stärkere Förderung des öffentlichen Personenverkehrs ein. Gerade vor dem Hintergrund einer alternden Gesellschaft, aber auch den erheblichen Lärm- und Luftbelastungen durch den Autoverkehr, brauchen wir eine Offensive für den ÖPNV. Dazu haben wir mit unserem Masterplan SACHSENTAKT 21 ein Konzept für einen Integralen Taktfahrplan entwickelt, mit dem wir das sächsische Bahnnetz weiterentwickeln wollen.