Simulation of Urban Rail Operations: Models and Applications

SimMETRO is a microscopic, dynamic, stochastic simulator of urban rail operations (METRO), specifically designed for service performance analysis, and evaluation of operations and strategies for real time control of subway systems. SimMETRO employs a detailed representation of the network, rolling stock, signal control, demand, schedule and dispatching. In particular, the various sources of stochasticity in operations are explicitly captured. The paper also presents approaches for calibration of model parameters and input (such as dynamic arrival and alighting rates at stations). A case study, focusing on the Red Line in Boston, MA, is used to illustrate the applicability of the model and the proposed calibration methodology. The results show that calibration, improves the performance of the model. The RMSE of block run times (relative to actual times as reported by the train detection system) is reduced by 60%. The calibrated demand matches well recent counts of arrival rates at the stations, and the model can be used to evaluate alternative operating strategies.