PhD defence R. (Rowan) Hoogervorst

Railway transportation plays an important role in the Dutch mobility system. To make train travel both comfortable and affordable, it is essential for operators to efficiently use their train units. This means that these train units have to be scheduled such that a good balance between passenger service and operational costs is found. Moreover, efficient rescheduling of these train units is necessary to maintain a good service in case a disruption occurs in the railway system. In this thesis, we focus on improving both the scheduling and rescheduling of rolling stock, where we are specifically interested in further integrating these problems into the operational process of a railway operator.  

First, we look at the solution methods that are used for solving both rolling stock problems. Here, we compare existing models for rolling stock scheduling and propose a new heuristic for the rolling stock rescheduling problem that can be easily extended for rich rolling stock settings. Second, we look at extensions of the traditional rolling stock rescheduling problem. Here, we consider the reduction of passenger delays through rolling stock rescheduling, where we find that rolling stock rescheduling can significantly reduce the delays experienced by passengers. Furthermore, we consider rescheduling the rolling stock together with those drivers that move train units at the stations.

The public defence will take place at the Senate Hall, 1st floor Erasmus Building, location campus Woudestein. The ceremony will begin exactly at 10.30 AM. In light of the solemn nature of the ceremony, we recommend that you do not take children under the age of 6 to the first part of the ceremony.