The operational railway simulation allows the user to model and evaluate the effects of constructional and operational measures in large railway networks before their implementation. The results of these studies can be presented in various forms, depending on the clients needs. A large number of operational simulations (e. g. Sydney Olympic Railway Timetable, World Exposition Light Rail and German Railway Network North Rhine-Westphalia) has been carried out for both German and international heavy and suburban rail operators. Various scientific research project have been carried out and evaluated with the help of operational simulation. Extensive infrastructure modifications in railway systems generate high costs and prede-termine the basis of the railway operation (e. g. timetables) in such systems for many years. Operational changes due to or independent of infrastructure modifications can adversely affect the operational flexibility and reliability if unconsidered or unexpected problems occur. With the help of operational simulation it is possible to determine the consequences of infrastructure or operational changes in railway systems, before investing funds or implementing an unfeasible timetable into operation. There is a long experience in simulation and evaluation of railway operations at the Institute of Transport, Railway Construction and Operation (IVE) at the University of Hanover, Germany. The RailSys simulation system was first developed in the 1980s mainly for the German Federal Railways. In the last few years rail operators throughout the world discovered the advantages of operational simulation before implementing infrastructure changes or operational variations in their networks. The RailSys model offers many features which can be used to accurately calculate and evaluate the impacts of such measures. The following article describes the features of the operational simulation with RailSys. The shape of the simulation outcomes will be presented and the conclusions drawn will be described. Different applications will visualize these outcomes. Related software systems are introduced and synergy effects are shown.
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