Optimization in the Rail Industry

Alexandra M. Newman, Linda K. Nozick, and Candace Arai Yano

ABSTRACT

This article describes optimization problems that arise in the rail industry related to: . infrastructure (track and siding) planning and track maintenance, . sizing of fleets of locomotives and railcars, . locomotive, railcar, and container repositioning, . train scheduling, including service frequency planning, day-of-week train scheduling, freight routing, meet-pass planning, and timetable construction. We focus on problems that are specific to the rail industry because of technological or cost considerations. We survey models that provide a broad perspective of rail decision problems and describe optimization methods employed to address them. We also suggest directions for future research.