Modelling and optimisation of railway crew scheduling

This research develops optimisation models and algorithms for railway crew scheduling problem (CSP). The scheduling criterion is to minimise the number of crew duties by reducing idle transition times while taking into account a complex set of railway crew scheduling related constraints. The integration of relief opportunities period (ROP) into the models and algorithms would enable the train crew to be relieved at any relief point within the time period of relief opportunities. This will enhance the robustness of the schedule and provide a better representation of real railway crew scheduling conditions. The models and algorithms are general and can be easily adapted to different locations and modes of transportation. Furthermore, the proposed models and algorithms can be extended to the integration of vehicle and CSPs with ROP.