Train platforming problem from the viewpoint of passenger flow management

Abstract This paper addresses the problem of train platforming problem (TPP) from the viewpoint of passenger management. Currently, the train platforming decision and the passenger management decision are done separately. However, as the train platforming decision can have a significant influence on the path that each group of passengers takes in the station area; hence, the passenger flow in the station should be taken to account when making a platforming decision. In this study, this problem is defined as the Train Platforming and Passenger Management Problem (TPPMP). We propose modelling the TPPMP using a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) formulation. Our case study result suggests that the passenger flow in the station can be improved significantly when trains are allowed to be reassigned to different platforms.