Bergen - Myrdal infrastructure improvements evaluation

Bane NOR recently commissioned a comprehensive evaluation of infrastructure improvements along the Bergensbanen in Norway, specifically focusing on the Bergen-Myrdal section. With the objective of supporting a socio-economic analysis and facilitating an informed investment decision, the assessment involved a stochastic simulation of a number of potential timetables. Key factors such as capacity, punctuality and reduced travel time were taken into consideration to evaluate service improvements.

In collaboration with trenolab, a series of timetable alternatives were developed to accommodate the anticipated services. Subsequently, microscopic simulation was employed in order to test the timetables and the proposed investments, revealing their strengths and weaknesses. The study’s outcomes enabled a nuanced classification of improvements based on their relevance to the proposed timetables, distinguishing between essential measures and those contributing, to varying degrees, to the operational robustness of the Bergensbanen.