Optimum Zone Configuration for Planned Urban Commuter Rail Lines

The optimum zone structure for a planned urban commuter rail line with one to many or many to one type demand during peak periods is analyzed. The objective is to minimize the passenger time costs as well as the relevant system operating and capital costs. The analysis is based on the interaction of a range of variables such as the number of zones, zone boundaries, uniform station spacings, fleet size and train headway. The approximately optimum values of the decision variables are determined mostly in closed form. A numerical application and sensitivity analyses are presented.