Research project

Assisted VSTP (Very Short Term Planning)

Project overview

Timetable planning for Britain’s railways is a long-term process, starting over a year prior to the twice-yearly introduction of new national timetable. Alongside the longer-term term timetable planning (LTP) process, there is also a requirement for the short- (STP) and very short-term planning (VSTP) of passenger and freight trains in the days and hours prior to their operation, in response to changes in demand and operating circumstances, including operational disruptions.

The short timescales available for STP and, especially, VSTP services currently precludes their full validation, introducing performance risks and the likelihood of sub-optimal infrastructure, rolling stock and train-crew resource allocation. TRG assisted Bellvedi/Tracsis in the development of an improved VSTP system, focusing on the identification of robust VSTP train paths and the development of improved contingency plans in response to operational disruptions.

Staff

Lead researchers

Professor John Preston

Professor in Rail Transport

Research interests

  • Demand, capacity and cost modelling for sustainable transport infrastructure.
  • The design, monitoring and evaluation of transport interventions designed to promote sustainable choices.
  • The determination of pathways for future mobility transitions to net zero carbon.
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Other researchers

Dr John Armstrong

Snr Res Fellow in Engineering Economics
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Collaborating research institutes, centres and groups

Research outputs