Capacity factors of a mixed speed railway network

Fifty-four combinations of track network and speed differential are evaluated within a linear, discrete time network model that maximizes an objective function of train volume, delays, and idle train time. The results contradict accepted dispatching practice by suggesting that when introducing a priority, high-speed train onto a network, maximum network flow is attained when the priority train operates at maximum speed. In addition, increasing siding capacity at meeting points may offer a network capacity improvement comparable to partial double track.