Knowledge-Based Decision Support System for Real-Time Train Traffic Control

Modern public transport and train traffic systems have to fulfill increasing demands on service reliability and availability. Train operators can only satisfy these requirements by quickly developing an efficient action in case of traffic disturbances. This paper describes a dispatching support system which is intended for use in railway operation control systems, but could also be useful for other kinds of public transport. The system consists of a knowledge-based decision support system, a simulation tool and a graphical user interface. The assistance consists of conflict detection, display of relevant information, prediction of certain dispatching measures’ impacts, and proposals for appropriate dispatching actions. Thus, the decision support system should significantly improve traffic performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction.