Title

An Application of Dynamic Programming to Crew Balancing at Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway

Author(s)

Michael F. Gorman, University of DaytonFollow
Majid Sarrafzadeh, Northwestern University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2000

Publication Source

International Journal of Services Technology and Management

Abstract

A dynamic programming-based heuristic is used to solve the crew balancing problem for freight rail. The model finds an optimal solution to the basic crew balancing problem, then uses heuristic adjustment for special circumstances surrounding particularities in crew management.

In practice, model results are presented to the end user for approval or modification before their enactment. With accurate information, we estimate the potential for savings of 4% of total crew deadhead and heldaway costs. When subjected to inaccurate forecasts typically experienced, however, the deterministic model performs worse than current practices.

We make suggestions for dealing with the uncertainties of forecasted train arrival and departure times in order to produce more implementable results.

Inclusive pages

174-187

ISBN/ISSN

1460-6720

Comments

Permission documentation is on file.

Copyright

Copyright © 2000, Inderscience Enterprises

Publisher

Inderscience Publishers

Volume

1

Issue

2-3

Peer Reviewed

yes

eCommons Citation

Gorman, Michael F. and Sarrafzadeh, Majid, "An Application of Dynamic Programming to Crew Balancing at Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway" (2000). MIS/OM/DS Faculty Publications. 33.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/mis_fac_pub/33