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Train Operations Ⅰ
Definitions
First，it is important to set out some definitions.A train is defined here as one or more railway vehicles capable of being moved.It may be made up of a locomotive（sometimes more than one）to provide power with various unpowered vehicles attached to it.It may consist of a multiple unit，i.e.several vehicles formed into a fixed formation or set，which carry their own power and do not require a locomotive.A train may be only a locomotive running light（deadheading）to a point elsewhere on the railway.A train may be passenger carrying，freight or，rarely nowadays，mixed.
A train may be manually driven（by a driver，operator or engineer）and may have other crew members（assistant driver，fireman，conductor and catering staff）to help the driver and/or the passengers.
The Objective
A train is an expensive piece of kit.A locomotive now costs about US$ 5 million and a coach up to US$ 1 million depending on the type.A multiple unit（i.e.a self-powered train without a locomotive）can cost an average of US$ 1.5 million for each vehicle，depending on type and size of order.This is a lot of capital to invest and it is essential to make sure it earns its keep.Trains sitting in stations and sidings may look nice but they don’t earn money.
Crews are also expensive.They must be used efficiently and safely，which means regulating their hours but they will be needed to match the times that they are required on the trains.Allocation of crews is a scientific skill just as important as train control.
The infrastructure of a railway is its most expensive asset.A new railway can cost US$ 25 million per kilometre and this price will double to US$50 million for an elevated urban line.An underground metro or subway can cost up to US$200 million a kilometre in a country where protection against typhoons and earthquakes is needed.Maximisation of the use of the line of route is essential and train operations management will play an important part.
The objective of good train operations management is to use the route，the rolling stock and crews in the most effective way.