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Express delivery with high-speed railway: Definitely feasible or just a publicity stunt

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  • Bi, Mingkai
  • He, Shiwei
  • Xu, Wangtu (Ato)

Abstract

When the construction of a large-scale high-speed railway (HSR) network is completed, how to make use of its transportation capacity is a consequent problem that needs to be resolved. Over the past few years, railway managers have launched the concept of high-speed rail express delivery (HSReD), with the aim of effectively utilizing the remaining passenger transportation capacity for express delivery services. This study analyzes the adaptability of HSReD to the HSR network according to the capacity utilization ratios of various HSR lines. First, the definition of the transportation capacity of the HSReD on the HSR network is proposed. Second, the level of service (LoS) of HSReD is measured. Then, the relationships among the LoS of HSReD, train schedule, and target market are analyzed. Next, based on the real operating environment, including different LoSs and capacity occupancies, an improved Arc-Route mathematical model for calculating the transport volume of HSReD parcels on the HSR network is built. A solution algorithm is designed. The proposed mathematical model is used to empirically analyze the adaptability of the HSReD on China’s HSR network, on which express parcels among 27 provinces are carried. Results show that: (a) the average utilization rate of transportation capacity of HSReD accounts for approximately 5.5% of the total transportation capacity of the entire HSR network. That is, currently, the capacity of the network is in a good state of adaptation, which can fully meet all transport demands. (b) Based on the annual growth rate of 50% of the express delivery amount in China, the transportation capacity of HSReD can meet the transport demand for only 5 years. In 2021, the transport volume of the HSReD parcels on China’s HSR network will reach the limit of the transportation capacity. Accordingly, this study provides policy suggestions for the current and future development of the HSReD on China’s HSR network.

Suggested Citation

  • Bi, Mingkai & He, Shiwei & Xu, Wangtu (Ato), 2019. "Express delivery with high-speed railway: Definitely feasible or just a publicity stunt," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 120(C), pages 165-187.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:transa:v:120:y:2019:i:c:p:165-187
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tra.2018.12.011
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    7. Kehong Li & Wenke Wang & Yadong Zhang & Tao Zheng & Jin Guo, 2019. "Game Modelling and Strategy Research on the System Dynamics–Based Quadruplicate Evolution for High–Speed Railway Operational Safety Supervision System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-17, March.
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