Research on airport express train schedule optimization based on demand-driven air-rail intermodal transportation

The optimization of the train frequency of the Airport express line (AEL) is crucial for improving the efficiency of air-rail intermodal transport. It directly influences passenger transfer convenience and overall service quality, thereby bolstering the competitiveness of the transport system This study focuses on the optimization of "AEL and Flight Succession" in the context of air-rail intermodal transport. By analyzing the departure and landing time of airport flights, we assess the demand from various passenger flows and identify key factors that impact the connection between the AEL and flights. Based on these factors, we develop a demand-driven optimization model for AEL frequency, aimed at minimizing total travel time and the number of unserved passengers. A simulated annealing algorithm is employed to solve this model. The Lanzhou-Zhongchuan AEL serves as a case study for validation. The results demonstrate that the optimized schedule reduces total passenger travel time costs by 0.93% and 3.82%, respectively, while accounting for passenger time sensitivity and fairness principles, with a difference of 2.89% between these scenarios. In addition, the optimization scheme decreases the number of unserved passengers by 14.7% and reduces the percentage of flights and trains failing to meet occupancy constraints by 17%. This study illustrates that the schedule optimization strategy not only effectively increases the number of served passengers but also significantly reduces total intermodal and commuter travel time. Such findings provide a solid scientific foundation for AEL operations and management to develop a more efficient and rational train schedule in the context of air-rail intermodal transport.