Using simulation modeling to assess rail track infrastructure in densely trafficked metropolitan areas

We present a simulation modeling methodology to assess the rail track infrastructure in highly dense traffic areas. We used this model to determine the best trackage configuration to meet future demand in the Los Angeles-Inland Empire Trade Corridor Region. There are three major challenges in modeling a rail network in a densely trafficked metropolitan area. They are: (1) complex trackage configurations, (2) various speed limits, and (3) non-fixed dispatching timetables and routes between the origin and destination. Our proposed model has the ability to handle the above complexities in order to determine the best use of the rail capacity. Furthermore, our methodology is general enough so that it can be applied to other large scale rail networks.