Simulation of Rail line - Road Intersections Using SimFC

摘要

Train transit systems are generally considered the preferred mode of public transportation for most passengers traveling within their metropolitan areas. These systems offer a high degree of safety, speed and relative comfort compared to busses. A Light Rail Transit (LRT) system is a particular kind of train transit system connecting various stations using rail tracks usually operating at the surface level. Generally, these trains have their own right of way, but they my share certain streets with other traffic as well. SimFC (acronym for Simulator For Construction) is a Monte-Carlo simulation platform which allows for the modeling of various processes using pre-defined components. Modeling LRT line-road intersections is often a difficult task when considering various dynamics including the number of vehicles, busses, trains and the capacities for each. A generic model representing a rail line - road junction is presented in this paper. Two main scenarios are discussed. First scenario assumes an exclusive right of way for the trains and in the second the right of way is determined based on traffic lights. The results provide an insight as to the circumstances which a right of way may be preferred to another. The findings are of interest to transportation planners, researchers and traffic analysis interested in the examination and analysis of rail line-road junctions.