This project is one component of a larger research programme aimed
at the development of optimal traffic control and scheduling
systems that will improve rail productivity by developing good
network infrastructure, schedules, recovery techniques, driving
skills and communications.
The specific aim of the project is to develop a suite of decision
support tools for assessing network performance and reliability.
This project will develop the tools necessary to analyse and assess
existing rail networks. It will also provide input for future
research on the planning and evaluation of proposed infrastructure
improvements and access provision using congestion pricing models.
The outcome of Project 13 is a set of high-level tools for
strategic planning of the long-term development of rail networks.
While the model developed in this project may have limited
applications in simple rail networks, it is likely to be of
considerable use in planning more complex networks where the impact
of a change in network infrastructure is not intuitive. Evaluated
by STEM Partnerships in 2006, the project was estimated to have the
potential to deliver an estimated value of $45.2 million over the
next 15 years. This takes into account the risks associated with
delivering the technology, and the assumption that the research is
developed into software and incorporated into the infrastructure
planning of the Australian rail industry.
Progress to date:
- Development of analytical method for assessing capacity in rail
network completed.
- Development and testing of model for the calculation of rail
network reliability completed.
- Development of model specification and system architecture for
decision support tool completed.
- Decision support tools for long-term planning.
- Congestion models and maps.
- Commercialisation of the project results in a package with TPOD
(Project 20).
Project Leader: Professor Mike Taylor (University of South
Australia)
Project Manager: Mr Ian Dall (Queensland Rail)
