The integration of optimizing train timetables with EMU route plans.

Generally, to address the resource management issues in high-speed railway operations, particularly in the context of large-scale networked high-speed train transportation organizations, a phased optimization approach is introduced. This approach divides the problem into two stages: the high-speed train timetabling and the planning of Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) route. The lack of direct integration between these stages has hindered the flexible and efficient utilization of line capacity and EMU resources based on large-scale network, limiting the potential for mutual compensation and coordination among different types of resources across different regions. Furthermore, the coupling between interconnected resources has been overlooked. Compared to the aforementioned phased research areas, this study proposes an integrated optimization of train timetables and EMU routing plans in the context of networking. This study is capable of handling a large number of comprehensive optimization decision variables, which increase exponentially as the number of trains and EMUs considered grows. It thoroughly examines the importance of the linkage and coupling relationships between train timetables and EMUs, providing a new feasible method as the theoretical foundation. Adopting a resource linkage perspective, this paper employs complex system modeling, combined with empirical data from actual high-speed rail cases. This approach can significantly shorten the preparation period for high-speed train timetables and EMU routing plans, accelerating the frequency of updates and upgrades to high-speed rail passenger transportation services. To verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model and method, a case study was conducted on the EMU circulation plan and draft train timetable for the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway, with the results analyzed accordingly.