###### Abstract  
Virtual coupling uses wireless communication instead of mechanical coupling to ensure that trains are easily reconnected or disconnected. This technology can shorten the interval time between trains, give full play to the carrying capacity of lines, and improve the service level of urban rail transit. This paper optimizes the train operation plan with full-length and short-turn routes of virtual coupling trains by establishing a two-level optimization model. The upper model is used to minimize passenger travel time and enterprise operation cost, and the lower model to optimize the equilibrium of train load rate on short-turn routes. Meanwhile, a method based on the genetic algorithm is designed to solve the model. A case study of the Metro Line M has been carried out. line capacity. [PERSON] [6] proposed the multi-agent system (MAS) to control the operation of a virtually coupled train group. [PERSON] et al. [7] showed that the virtual coupling concept substantially reduces headway and distance between trains while guaranteeing safe separation between two consecutive trains at any instant. [PERSON] et al. [8] put forward a new method that considers the distribution of passenger flow to improve transportation efficiency. [PERSON] [9] and [PERSON] [10] investigated demand trends and operational scenarios of virtual coupling, [PERSON] [11] also analyzed its advantages and limitations through two extensive surveys. [PERSON] et al. [12] analyzed the typical operation process using virtual coupling technology and provided a formula for calculating the station interval time. Virtual coupling has new requirements for train control systems. [PERSON] [13] summarized the redundant rule between the train-to-train direct communication and the existing communication. The results show that the automatic adjustment strategy inside the train formation can make the train operation efficient and keep the train tracking in a steady state. [PERSON] et al. [14] proposed a method of speed limit curve calculation based on relative braking distance, which may provide some reference for the next generation train control systems. [PERSON] et al. [15] analyzed the key technical requirements of virtual coupling application in the train control system, and designed the architecture of a train control system using virtual coupling technology. [PERSON] [16] and [PERSON] [17] researched train control methods of virtual coupling oriented to dynamic coupling. The optimization problem of train operation plans for full-length and short-turn routes is usually defined as a mathematical optimization problem, for which models and algorithms have been designed. [PERSON] [18], [PERSON] [19], and [PERSON] et al. [20] set up the optimization model for minimizing the travel time of passengers and the operating cost of enterprises, respectively. [PERSON] [21] focused on the passenger flow of urban rail lines during peak hours and established an optimization model for the train operation scheme of full-length and short-turn routes. [PERSON] et al. [22] and [PERSON] [23] established an optimization operation scheme model based on the analysis of passengers' choice behavior of different routes. Considering fairness factors, [PERSON] et al. [24] established an optimization model of full-length and short-turn routes with the goal of minimizing the travel delay of all passengers. [PERSON] et al. [25] proposed a collaborative full-length and short-turning plan and joint multi-station control of passenger flow. [PERSON] et al. [26] propose a model for line planning and timetabling from a cost-oriented and a passenger-oriented perspective. [PERSON] et al. [27] established a combined two-step model of train formation optimization and real-time station control. The load factor of the trains is also an important goal to be considered in the design of operation schemes. [PERSON] et al. [28] and [PERSON] [29] analyzed the dynamic demand of passenger flow and established an optimization model to increase the average load factor of trains.