Evaluation of urban rail transit operation considering rider and operator satisfaction

Travel satisfaction expectations for urban rail transit (URT) have increased with the increasing development of URT systems. To cater for passenger demand, operators provide different transit services by means of timetable rescheduling and adjustments. However, research on the evaluation of the trade-offs between real-time ridership and train capacity is limited. Based on multi-agent-system technology and a passenger–train interaction model for URT, passenger decision making and travel behaviour on a URT system was simulated. After analysing the factors that affect the satisfaction of both passengers and operators, an evaluation index system of the synergy level between URT passengers and operators was established to evaluate the coordination and degree of match between them. A case study was carried out and analysed based on timetable and passenger flow data of metro line 1 in Beijing, China. Furthermore, a model was established to optimise the timetable with the goal of maximising the synergy level. The evaluation method and optimisation model presented in this paper consider the needs of both passengers and operators and can be used to evaluate and optimise timetables more objectively.