Simone: Large scale train network simulations

This paper describes the architecture and potentials of Simone. Simone is a simulation environment to generate, simulate and analyze complex and large scale train networks. The purpose of Simone is to (1) assess the robustness of timetables; (2) determine the stability of the network; analyze causes and effects of delays; (3) improve timetables, by determining the relations between design standards and robustness of the timetable; (4) detect and quantify bottlenecks in a train network and (5) quantify delays for different lay-outs of railway infrastructures A strong feature of Simone is the ability to automatically generate ready-to-use network simulation models from databases. First, the concepts are described, then two case studies are presented. Last, the paper ends with a short evaluation of the use up till now and forthcoming developments for Simone.