A new operations approach for Bangkok Metro Green Line using short turn operation patterns

Abstract

© 2018 Elsevier Ltd The two Green Lines, Sukhumvit Green Line and Silom Green Line, are part of the first modern electric Metro system in Thailand. They were established in 1999 with 26 stations and a total distance of 25.5 km. It is expected that the Sukhumvit Green Line will be extended to serve 31 stations with a total distance of about 35 km in 2019. Taking into account of the non-aligned operation plans from the existing mass transit lines when commissioning the new service, the operation patterns for the extended Sukhumvit Green line should be reevaluated systematically. This research paper applies simulation modeling to study the critical points of operations, and revises the train operation patterns under different scenarios. The prospective passenger imbalance problem between the existing and the extended line has been addressed. Ten key operations performance measures (KPIs) have been considered and analyzed. Seventeen different scenarios have been developed using different headways, turning points and alternative routes. A short turn operation is proposed to solve the passenger imbalance problem. When applying the short turn operation, different headway schemes should be considered to prevent possible delays due to the high frequency in certain line sections especially the starting and turnaround station areas.