How Capacity Issues in Large Urban Commuter Networks in Europe Are Addressed by Implementing Modern Train Control Systems

This paper provides an overview of the latest trends in Europe regarding the use of modern train control and signaling systems, such as Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) and the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), to resolve capacity issues in large urban commuter rail networks. In addition to the various technical considerations, a transit agency’s decision of whether to implement CBTC or ERTMS involves many factors, including: the operating needs of the railway, Life Cycle Cost, the risk tolerance of the agency and stakeholder management. Each of these factors will be discussed in this paper, and illustrated by actual re-signaling projects that are being installed across Europe. Meanwhile in the U.S., transit agencies that own and operate large commuter rail networks have implemented, or are in the process of implementing, Positive Train Control (PTC) systems as mandated by the U.S. Congress in the U.S. Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008. Although this legislation was implemented to improve safety, this paper will explore whether there any lessons learned from Europe that might be considered as a means to also improve capacity.

• Record URL:
  • http://www.apta.com/mc/rail/previous/2013/papers/Papers/ChabanonD-How-capacity-Issues-in-large-urban-commuter-networks.pdf
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract used with permission from American Public Transportation Association.
• Corporate Authors:

  American Public Transportation Association

  1666 K Street, NW, Suite 1100
  Washington, DC  United States  20006
• Authors:
  • Chabanon, David
• Conference:
  • 2013 Rail Conference
  • Location: Philadelphia PA, United States
  • Date: 2013-6-2 to 2013-6-5
• Publication Date: 2013

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; Maps; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: 10p
• Monograph Title: 2013 Rail Conference

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automatic train control; Life cycle costing; Positive train control; Railroad commuter service; Risk management
• Identifier Terms: Communications Based Train Control; European Rail Traffic Management System
• Uncontrolled Terms: Railroad capacity
• Geographic Terms: Europe; United States
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01502468
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 24 2013 1:09PM