Evaluation of railway traffic control efficiency and its determinants

摘要: The present paper fills a gap in the literature by examining efficiency of railway traffic control. In spite large-scale migration strategies towards centralised signal boxes (traffic control centres), still remains labour-intensive process many European countries. close collaboration with experts from Infrabel, Belgian infrastructure manager, we develop two-stage benchmarking framework which assesses and explains efficiency. first stage, bootstrapped Data Envelopment Analysis model categorical variable efficiency, closely monitors average individual performance trends over time. Second-stage regressions examine impact several factors on proposed can be adopted managers as an internal tool, evaluating entire network or specific sub-regions. We demonstrate practical applicability our approach unique rich 18-month dataset Infrabel’s relay-technology boxes. Aiming to uncover additional insights, perform analysis two subsets monthly data: one covering working week, other weekends. Our findings suggest that order improve should aim for geographical concentration, larger team sizes, continuous follow-up box opening times. Further gains generated reducing complexity. Finally, results also indicate take into account differences between week weekend when measuring analysing performance.