Increasing Punctuality by Optimizing the Allocation of Timetable Supplements

Railway delays disrupt operations, impacting network efficiency. Timetable supplements, providing time reserves, are vital for delay recovery but can also reduce attractiveness and capacity. This paper presents a heuristic algorithm to optimize supplement placement, improving punctuality without compromising connections. The framework offers a flexible platform for testing and refining supplement strategies across various railway networks, promising enhanced operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction. Simulations showed that iterative reallocation of timetable supplements can lead to substantial improvements in punctuality.