The Simulation of APM Operations: A Case Study of Suvarnabhumi Airport

Abstract

For the first time in Thailand, an Automated People Mover (APM) has been implemented at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The APM uses the guided way concept similar to metro rail operations, but with driverless trains on rubber wheels. As the APM becomes a key transport technology especially for large airports, it is worth investigating the operations to ensure service viability of driverless APM operations. This research uses a microscopic simulation model to evaluate the feasibility of APM operations and timetables in accordance with capacity requirements. The APM headway is often limited by turn-back operations using a single track at the entry-exit of the station. To increase line capacity, headway should be decreased or train capacity should be increased and the itinerary needs to be reevaluated. For an airport APM, the headway should only be decreased within certain limits to achieve the benefits of higher network capacity without compromising passenger travelling time. Increasing train capacity using coupled trains can accommodate more passengers on each trip, but the number of trains available should be considered. The simulation result reveals the critical factors that contribute to improve network capacity and offers guidance for the complex APM operations in the future.