The choice of the rolling stock for public transportation: problem statement and solution approaches

Objective: the study addresses the optimization of empty-wagon fl to ensure the provision of required public-transport volumes with an adequate fl by solving a multi-criteria optimization issue. Methods: the approach is based on modelling alternative schemes for railcar allocation aimed at satisfying all public transportation requests. Results: a method for optimizing empty railcar movements has been developed, which reduces the time and cost of public transportation while explicitly accounting for the risk of failing to meet regulatory deadlines. Practical signifi the proposed approach off a novel framework for selecting empty-wagon allocation options to support public transportation It has potential applications in organizing other transport modalities, and can be employed by private operators competing in the transport services market.