RAPID TRANSIT TRAINS RUN AUTOMATICALLY TO SERVE PHILADELPHIA AREA

To handle upwards of 30,000 commuters daily, a Philadelphia area transit line has found that automatic train operation and centralized control provide a successful operation. Port Authority Transit Corp., operates a 14.5-mile, double-track line from 16th and Locust Streets in down town Philadelphia to Lindenwold, N.J., via Camden. PATCO runs expresses mixed with locals during rush hours to provide headways down to three minutes. An attendant operates door controls and "Start" button to start the train. After the "start" button is pressed (with doors closed-an interlock prevents starting with doors open), the train runs automatically to the next station where it is brought to a stop near the center of the platform. Supervisory control of ten interlockings, the power system for traction current and three communications systems are all controlled from Center Tower at Broadway, Camden. To communicate with passengers in stations, a public address system was provided. Also tied in with the Trainphone radio system on trains, announcements can be made to passengers riding the trains. Dispatcher-to-train attendants' communication is carried out via the Trainphone radio system. An automatic dial telephone system provides service between Center Tower, all power substations, passenger stations and repair shops.

• Corporate Authors:

  Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation

  P.O. Box 350
  Bristol, CT  United States  06010
• Publication Date: 1970-3

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: p. 24-29
• Serial:
  • Railway Signaling and Communications
  • Volume: 63
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automatic train operation; Centralized traffic control; Rapid transit; Signaling
• Identifier Terms: Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00041091
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 9 1976 12:00AM