Optimization of Timetables on the Bratislava–Žilina–Košice Route in the Period after the End of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Quality and efficient long-distance transport as a key system of public passenger transport could be the basis for the national and international comprehensive integrated transport system. Especially due to the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 disease, the demand for long-distance transport has significantly decreased since March 2020 in the Slovak Republic on the busiest long-distance line Bratislava–Žilina–Košice. It is, therefore, necessary to propose various measures in order to increase this demand and bring passenger frequencies to at least the level of values before this period. This paper analyzes the impact of the measures on passenger frequencies in 2020, examining the amount of their fall in individual months of the first half of the year 2020 on the long-distance route Bratislava–Žilina–Košice. Furthermore, the paper deals with the long-term concept of national long-distance passenger rail transport on the mentioned line in the period after the end of the pandemic. It uses scientific methods enabling to rationalize and optimize current train timetables. The benefits of these proposals will be to offer passengers better transport services, with their frequencies expected to increase in the coming years.

Impact of the COVID Crisis on Public Passenger Transport in Slovakia and Urban Transport in Žilina on a Selected Line

“…Of particular interest was the analysis of urban transport and its role in the spread of the pandemic and the investigation of the satisfaction of travelling public with transport. The analysis of both long-distance transport and urban bus transport was the focus of the research in [8][9][10][11]. A closer look was taken at national rail transport and its impact on customer service offerings [9,[12][13][14].…”

“…The analysis of both long-distance transport and urban bus transport was the focus of the research in [8][9][10][11]. A closer look was taken at national rail transport and its impact on customer service offerings [9,[12][13][14]. There was also the challenge of obtaining data on the evolution of the disease and associated information on which steps to take against the disease [15][16].…”

A Multi-Objective Optimization Model for the Intercity Railway Train Operation Plan: The Case of Beijing-Xiong’an ICR

“…Through a case study, Tomas et al [23] found that integrating the passenger centric train timetabling problem with a ticket pricing problem can significantly increase revenue. Milan et al [24] used a variety of methods to optimize the timetable to solve the problem of passenger frequency decline.…”

Proposal for Using IT Solutions in Public Passenger Transport in Slovak Republic to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19

“…The articles by [3,4] deal with this decrease during the pandemic, stating that the highest decrease was recorded during the first and second wave of the pandemic. The article by [5] states that when the COVID-19 pandemic ends, it will be very difficult to get passengers to start using public transport again and some new measures will have to be taken to achieve these goals. The article by [6] describes tools that could be used and implemented to improve public transport in the postpandemic period.…”