In this paper we introduce the problem of shunting passenger train units in a railway station. Shunting occurs whenever train units are temporarily not necessary to operate a given timetable. We discuss several aspects of this problem and focus on two subproblems. We propose mathematical models for these subproblems together with a solution method based on column generation. Furthermore, a new efficient and speedy solution technique for pricing problems in column generation algorithms is introduced. Finally, we present computational results based on real life instances from Netherlands Railways.

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Erasmus Research Institute of Management
hdl.handle.net/1765/221
ERIM Report Series Research in Management
Erasmus Research Institute of Management

Freling, R., Lentink, R., Kroon, L., & Huisman, D. (2002). Shunting of Passenger Train Units in a Railway Station (No. ERS-2002-74-LIS). ERIM Report Series Research in Management. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1765/221