Analysis of Automated People Mover Operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport

Abstract

The Automated People Mover (APM) is popular transportation technology used within airports. It operates in a similar way to a metro system, with operations managed by the Operation Control Center (OCC). However, APM has specific characteristics as it has rubber wheels with a central guided rail running on a concrete surface. This allows for shorter braking distances compared with a typical rail track. In the Suvarnabhumi airport expansion project, APM is used to transport passengers between the North Main Terminal Building (NMTB) and satellite concourse 1 (SAT-1) on the airside. APM operations must be planned in accordance with the predicted number of passengers in each period under the rail infrastructure to achieve maximum efficiency. This research applies simulation modelling to the APM operations with Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) to analyze and evaluate the service capability within Suvarnabhumi airport. The system consists of two loops. The results of the simulation show that the minimum possible headway on each loop is often limited by the bottleneck at the entry-exit of each station. During off-peak times, trains can operate at a headway of 400-450 seconds with a dwell time of 70-95 seconds and 1 train is enough. During peak times, trains can operate at a headway of 200-212 seconds with a dwell time of 70-90 seconds. At these times, 2 trains are required for services. Both periods can be operated on a single loop. However, during surged peak times there are more passengers. APM operations on a single loop cannot handle the increased passenger numbers. Therefore, the determination of headway is 250 seconds on both loops by allowing trains to be released alternately with a dwell time of 84-125 seconds. In this period, 4 trains are required for services. Simulation modelling can modify parameters quickly to show the different effects in the system with the limited rail infrastructure. It can show potential operating problems.