Actor-agent application for train driver rescheduling

This paper describes the design, implementation, visualizations, results and lessons learned of a novel real-world socio-technical research system for the purpose of rescheduling train drivers in the event of disruptions. The research system is structured according to the Actor-Agent paradigm: here agents assist in rescheduling tasks of train drivers. Coordination between agents is based on a team formation process in which possible rescheduling alternatives can be evaluated, based on constraints and preferences of involved human train drivers and dispatchers. The research system is the result of cooperation on decentralised multi-agent crew rescheduling between Netherlands Railways (NS) and the D-CIS Lab. The implementation is realized using the Cougaar framework and includes actual timetable and rolling stock schedule data and driver duty data.