Abstract:
A variety of techniques for maximizing the utilization of rapid transit vehicles exist. The use of one or more of these techniques would be appropriate for operators of light rail, commuter rail, or heavy rail transportation systems attempting to minimize fleet size and by properties faced with a rail car shortage. Methods include the use of fallback scheduling, skip-stop scheduling, zonal scheduling, reverse-direction deadheading, Dutch switching, and shortening headways while operating more low-capacity trains. Examples of agencies currently using each technique are provided.
Supplemental Notes:
This paper appears in Transportation Research Board Special Report No. 221, Light Rail Transit: New System Successes at Affordable Prices - Papers presented at the National Conference on Light Rail Transit, May 8-11, 1988, San Jose, California, Conducted by the Transportation Research Board.
