Feasibility Verification of Train Operations Using Petri Nets

Train punctuality and safe operation are two of the most basic requirements for rail transport. As train speeds and operating densities continue to increase, trains cannot operate in accordance with operational plans sometimes. Feasibility verification of train operation plans is particularly important. In this paper, Petri nets are used as a formalization tool. The basic Petri net models of the trains in the different situations: overtaking, following and station avoidance are established. Based on the idea of modularly modeling and the evolution law of Petri nets, the algorithm of constructing the Petri net model for the potential operation plan is proposed. Then according to the time constraints of the train operation, the time factors are assigned to the corresponding transitions in the Petri net model. Finally, the time Petri net simulation software TINA is used to calculate the reachability graph of the Petri net model and to determine whether the given train operations scheduling meets the station requirements.