Integrated Optimization of Train Diagrams and Rolling Stock Circulation with Full-Length and Short-Turn Routes of Virtual Coupling Trains in Urban Rail Transit

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors introduce in the paper a comprehensive work in terms of the turnaround of rail vehicles and timetable optimisation. The chosen object of research is common but novel in the use of a virtual coupling methodology.

I find the article both interesting and well written. A comprehensive exercise is done to present a good manuscript with comprehensive effort. The research approach used is balanced; the proposed new model and algorithm are examined for validity and feasibility by a small-range verification of the model.

The scope is treated at a terminologically and methodologically satisfactory level.

The abstract and introduction provide context for the paper (including background information and shared knowledge).

A new mathematical model, which covers a wide range of operational and economic constraints for both timetable and rail vehicle circulation, is developed. After that, a genetic simulated annealing algorithm informed by train operation simulations is introduced.

The results as well as the case study shows that the new algorithm is superior to the precious approach in solving the integration problem.

I find the presented and assembled model correct, understandable, and confirmed for use in practical calculations.

Referencing is done according to instructions; some formal errors occur, and many relevant authors are cited. The paper represents a contribution to a more effective rail system for passenger transport.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer，

Thank you very much for taking the time to review our manuscript. We greatly appreciate your insightful comments and valuable suggestions. We have corrected the errors in the manuscript. 

Please review the revised version of our manuscript. And below is a detailed summary of the major changes made in the paper:

Cross-references have been removed from the superscript citations in the text to prevent incorrect citations, and the references have been arranged in the correct sequence.

In section 3.1.1 Problem Analysis, the original sentence "Consider an urban rail transit line with N stations, with one depot connected to each end of the line." has been revised to "Consider an urban rail transit line with N stations, each end of the line connected to a depot."

All letters in the formulas have been italicized, and the formatting of the formulas has been standardized.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear Authors,

thank you for very interesting report. I enclose the file, where I marked problem with record of symbols and references.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Dear Reviewer，

Thank you very much for taking the time to review our manuscript. We greatly appreciate your insightful comments and valuable suggestions. We have thoroughly reviewed all the feedback and have made extensive revisions to the manuscript accordingly. 

Please review the revised version of our manuscript. And below is a detailed summary of the major changes made in response to your comments:

Cross-references have been removed from the superscript citations in the text to prevent incorrect citations, and the references have been arranged in the correct sequence.

In section 3.1.1 Problem Analysis, the original sentence "Consider an urban rail transit line with N stations, with one depot connected to each end of the line." has been revised to "Consider an urban rail transit line with N stations, each end of the line connected to a depot."

All letters in the formulas have been italicized, and the formatting of the formulas has been standardized.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx