Phase transition-like behaviors of propagation of passenger stranding phenomena in subway networks

Abstract Subways are essential for urban commuting, particularly in large metropolitan areas. However, as cities expand, subways face increasing challenges in balancing passenger demand with available service, leading to passengers being stranded at stations. A key issue is that such stranding can p...

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Main Authors: Xinyi Li, Shengda Zhao, Liang Wang, Qing Wang, Xun Zhang, Fang Liu, Xiaodong Zhang, Daqing Gong, Xinghua Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:npj Sustainable Mobility and Transport
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s44333-025-00045-5
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author Xinyi Li
Shengda Zhao
Liang Wang
Qing Wang
Xun Zhang
Fang Liu
Xiaodong Zhang
Daqing Gong
Xinghua Zhang
author_facet Xinyi Li
Shengda Zhao
Liang Wang
Qing Wang
Xun Zhang
Fang Liu
Xiaodong Zhang
Daqing Gong
Xinghua Zhang
author_sort Xinyi Li
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Subways are essential for urban commuting, particularly in large metropolitan areas. However, as cities expand, subways face increasing challenges in balancing passenger demand with available service, leading to passengers being stranded at stations. A key issue is that such stranding can propagate across multiple stations, forming clusters that significantly impact global service efficiency. This phenomenon, termed “propagation of passenger stranding (PPS)”, is studied based on a data-driven model. A transition point, determined by the shifting balance between supply and demand, dictates whether PPS will grow or diminish, serving as a threshold for subway service resilience. A nonlocal correlation pattern, key to PPS formation, is revealed using the eigen microstate method, alongside the local balance of demand and service and network topology. The findings reveal the resilience mechanism of service systems in networks where trains serve as the medium and identify key factors for enhancing resilience.
format Article
id doaj-art-3dfca79bb20d4a8696a1037941054b00
institution Kabale University
issn 3004-8664
language English
publishDate 2025-07-01
publisher Nature Portfolio
record_format Article
series npj Sustainable Mobility and Transport
spelling doaj-art-3dfca79bb20d4a8696a1037941054b002025-08-20T03:45:36ZengNature Portfolionpj Sustainable Mobility and Transport3004-86642025-07-012111110.1038/s44333-025-00045-5Phase transition-like behaviors of propagation of passenger stranding phenomena in subway networksXinyi Li0Shengda Zhao1Liang Wang2Qing Wang3Xun Zhang4Fang Liu5Xiaodong Zhang6Daqing Gong7Xinghua Zhang8School of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong UniversitySchool of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong UniversitySchool of Economics and Management, Beijing Jiaotong UniversitySchool of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong UniversityExecutive Office, Beijing Capital Metro Corporation LimitedMarketing Department, Beijing Capital Metro Corporation LimitedDigital City Planning Department, Beijing Municipal Institute of City Planning and DesignSchool of Economics and Management, Beijing Jiaotong UniversitySchool of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong UniversityAbstract Subways are essential for urban commuting, particularly in large metropolitan areas. However, as cities expand, subways face increasing challenges in balancing passenger demand with available service, leading to passengers being stranded at stations. A key issue is that such stranding can propagate across multiple stations, forming clusters that significantly impact global service efficiency. This phenomenon, termed “propagation of passenger stranding (PPS)”, is studied based on a data-driven model. A transition point, determined by the shifting balance between supply and demand, dictates whether PPS will grow or diminish, serving as a threshold for subway service resilience. A nonlocal correlation pattern, key to PPS formation, is revealed using the eigen microstate method, alongside the local balance of demand and service and network topology. The findings reveal the resilience mechanism of service systems in networks where trains serve as the medium and identify key factors for enhancing resilience.https://doi.org/10.1038/s44333-025-00045-5
spellingShingle Xinyi Li
Shengda Zhao
Liang Wang
Qing Wang
Xun Zhang
Fang Liu
Xiaodong Zhang
Daqing Gong
Xinghua Zhang
Phase transition-like behaviors of propagation of passenger stranding phenomena in subway networks
npj Sustainable Mobility and Transport
title Phase transition-like behaviors of propagation of passenger stranding phenomena in subway networks
title_full Phase transition-like behaviors of propagation of passenger stranding phenomena in subway networks
title_fullStr Phase transition-like behaviors of propagation of passenger stranding phenomena in subway networks
title_full_unstemmed Phase transition-like behaviors of propagation of passenger stranding phenomena in subway networks
title_short Phase transition-like behaviors of propagation of passenger stranding phenomena in subway networks
title_sort phase transition like behaviors of propagation of passenger stranding phenomena in subway networks
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s44333-025-00045-5
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