Development and implementation of a tram line performance model

Abstract: Wiener Linien’s tram network is one of the largest and busiest of its kind worldwide. Maintaining and improving the Level of Service (LoS) is one of the major tasks of the operations division. To direct these improvements efficiently to lines and sections of lines in need, tram line performance needs to be assessed. In this master thesis a Python-based model is developed to assess tram line performance using ideal operational constraints. Furthermore, the model is capable of computing the energy consumption for this optimal case. The tool computes Undisturbed Optimal Travel Times (UOTTs) which serve as a benchmark for tram line performance. Therefor it builds on track alignment data (curves and radii, gradients and switches), speed restriction data and a set of optimal parameters (no traffic, constant acceleration, etc.). Furthermore, train resistance, curve speeds and vehicle type are taken into consideration. These parameters are investigated and selected based on literature studies, interviews with employees of Wiener Linien, as well as field tests. Finally, the model results are compared to real world data for evaluation. A discussion of the results regarding further applications and improvements is performed.