Optimization of Differential Pricing and Seat Allocation in High-Speed Railways for Multi-Class Demands: A Chinese Case Study

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The authors presented an interesting study for solving the problem of pricing and efficiency Chinese high-speed railways. The paper proposes a decision-making model based on prospect theory, logit model and passenger flow transfer model.

The aim of the paper is clear. The paper is correctly structured. The abstract well describes the aim of the paper. Numerical examples of the proposed methodology are presented.

However, I suggest the following improvements.

1. The title of the paper is more global than its content. The authors investigate the problem of optimizing high-speed railways exclusively for Chinese conditions. I propose to reflect this fact in the title of the article, indicating that the study is thematic. Otherwise, it is necessary to present additional studies on the solution of this problem in other countries.

2. Please decipher for readers the abbreviations "SP", "RP" (1 paragraph p. 2) and "SA" (3 paragraph p. 2).

3. Recent references are missing. Provide relevant references in the section 2.1 “The research of demand division” and 2.2 “Travel choice behavior” from 2021-2022.

4. What are the results of the literature review analysis? Please add main results.

5. I suggest explaining to readers how the assumptions in the model are justified. Are such restrictions acceptable in practice?

6. The authors use the prospect theory. However, the literature review presents one article on this topic. Please add other studies.

7. Formula 5 contains the adjustment factor ????. Please explain to readers. How to determine the value of this coefficient?

8. In Conclusion, the limitations of the research and potential practical applications of the research results should be additionally indicated.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

The subject of the work - optimization of differential pricing and seat allocation in high-speed railway in China - is potentially interesting for readers and actual.  The paper is technically and theoretically sound and well-organized. The structure of the article is transparent. In my opinion Authors should extended description of proposed model. Why in Authors use Assumption 3: This paper does not consider differences of train seats class? In my opinion differences of price train seats classis are important. 

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Authors can further improve their manuscript by considering the following points:

1. There are some minor typographical errors, which should be avoided by proofreading the paper thoroughly. (References should be described as per journal guidelines)

2. It is better to compare your results with others. (If possible)

3. Authors should provide the managerial implications for the real-world situation. (If possible)

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

The authors resubmitted the manuscript “Optimization of differential pricing and seat allocation in high-speed railway for multi-class demands”.

The authors considered suggestions and made the appropriate changes in the manuscript, changed the title of the manuscript. The manuscript has been improved and can be recommended for publication.

 

Best regards