A tutorial on fundamental model structures for railway timetable optimization

This guide explains the role of railway timetables relative to all other railway scheduling activities, and then presents four fundamental timetable formulations suitable for optimization. Timetabling models may be classified according to whether they explicitly model the track structure, and whether the timetable is intended to be periodic or not (aperiodic). The presentation of models is organized to facilitate the selection of a model by planning objective and available data, regardless of the specific traffic carried or network size.

► Four fundamental timetable formulations suitable for optimization are defined.
► Timetabling models are classified by time horizon and infrastructure constraints.
► Models are presented to facilitate selection by planning objective and available data.