From capacity maximization to flagship train optimization:a novel framework for brand-oriented railway timetablingOA

Purpose-This study investigates the impact of flagship trains on high-speed railway capacity utilization and develops a brand value-oriented optimization framework that balances service quality enhancement with operational efficiency.Design/methodology/approach-A mathematical optimization model based on integer programming is developed,incorporating flagship train constraints into capacity optimization.Case studies compare scenarios with and without flagship train considerations using the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway data across 20 experimental groups.Findings-Operating flagship trains with hourly departure constraints results in an average decrease of 0.9 trains and an 8.4%reduction in capacity utilization rate.When scheduling 2 flagship trains within a 2-h timeframe,capacity utilization decreases from 86.43%to 83.73%,quantifying the trade-off between brand positioning and operational capacity.Originality/value-This research provides the first quantitative framework for brand value-oriented railway capacity optimization,establishing clear definitions for flagship trains and mathematical foundations for evaluating service quality versus efficiency trade-offs.The findings offer practical decision support for railway operators balancing competitive positioning with capacity maximization.