Long range rolling stock planning using computer simulation models

Rolling stock has a limited life span during which it can provide efficient services. Therefore, all railroad or transit operators will eventually face the following questions: what is the most suitable equipment, available to replace the existing equipment, for the particular service? What is the most economic way of procuring the required fleet? To answer these questions, Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT), in their desire to replace and enhance the New Haven Line service, has contracted with PB to conduct a Fleet Configuration Analysis. The analysis consisted of five different tasks. The project aimed to survey the existing and potential equipment, which would be suitable for New Haven Line operations; evaluate performances; estimate lifespan costs; and specify related operation and maintenance facilities. The paper provides a summary document of the operation analysis task, which answers the first question: what is the most suitable replacement equipment? This analysis took advantage of the computer simulation applications, which have been utilized by other transportation properties including Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road, New Jersey Transit, North Carolina Railroad and others in their capital investment evaluation processes