Decision making system for stopping high speed trains during emergency situations

Abstract

The following article addresses the application of a series of stop criteria for High Speed passenger trains under emergency situations by using a multi-criteria evaluation system. The line is divided into cantons and a combination of weight assignment criteria are used depending on the local surroundings and the type of incident occurring in such a way as to indicate the suitability of stopping a High Speed train. Multi-criteria choice is used as a function of the type of incident and the characteristics of the infrastructure to determine the best available place to stop a High Speed passenger train. This model has been applied with a geographical information system (GIS) using simple data visualisation for the position of the train; the program will also support decision taking protocols for stopping all kinds of trains under emergency situations. The method can therefore be applied to an overall support system for decision making. The speed of the algorithm provides an almost instantaneous reply within seconds of an emergency situation occurring.