Kharazmi University International Journal of Supply and Operations Management 2383-1359 3 3 2016 11 01 Defining Robust Recovery Solutions for Preserving Service Quality during Rail/Metro Systems Failure 1351 1372 2697 10.22034/2016.3.01 EN Luca D'Acierno Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy Antonio Placido D’Appolonia S.p.A., Naples, Italy Mariisa Botte Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy Mariano Gallo Department of Engineering, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy Bruno Montella Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy Journal Article 2016 07 14 In this paper, we propose a sensitivity analysis for evaluating the effectiveness of recovery solutions in the case of disturbed rail operations. Indeed, when failures or breakdowns occur during daily service, new strategies have to be implemented so as to react appropriately and re-establish ordinary conditions as rapidly as possible. In this context, the use of rail simulation is vital: for each intervention strategy it provides the evaluation of interactions and performance analysis prior to actually implementing the corrective action. However, in most cases, simulation tasks are deterministic and fail to allow for the stochastic distribution of train performance and delays. Hence, the strategies adopted might not be robust enough to ensure effectiveness of the intervention. We therefore propose an off-line procedure for disruption management based on a microscopic and stochastic rail simulation which considers both service operation and travel demand. An application in the case of a real metro line in Naples (Italy) shows the benefits of the proposed approach in terms of service quality. http://www.ijsom.com/article_2697_50ad4d36c45bf6afcc42e7bb7698caaa.pdf