TYNESIDE REPORT 8. PART 3: OPERATION

The greatest innovation in the operation of the metro is that by using the Phillips Vetag micro-processor based control system, the driver can control his train as well as drive it. On setting a code, the train is automatically routed through the system, changing the points, clearing signals, and changing station indicators. Two transponders are mounted on each passenger car giving signals to trackside sensors through loops sited on the track between the rails. There are 41 unstaffed stations, under the supervision of a central station controller who can monitor stations, through a closed-circuit TV, and address passengers on a PA system. Trains maintain constant radio contact with the control centre. Each service will run at 10 minute intervals for most of the day, allowing 5 minute headways on most of the track, but this time is reduced to 2 1/2 minutes at peak periods in the centre. Automatic fare collection, similar to that used in Paris and Lyon, has been installed. Ticket machines have change-giving facilities but will not accept banknotes. A comprehensive public relations exercise has been carried out to publicise the system and to educate children into the potential dangers of the high-voltage overhead wires.

• Corporate Authors:

  Ian Allan Limited

  Terminal House
  Shepperton, Middlesex  England  TW17 8AS
• Authors:
  • Haywood, P G
  • Price, J H
• Publication Date: 1980-7

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 222-228
• Serial:
  • MODERN TRAMWAY AND LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT
  • Volume: 43
  • Issue Number: 511

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Area traffic signal control; Automatic control; Automatic fare collection; Automatic train control; Automation; Closed circuit television; Control; Control devices; Headways; Light rail transit; Microprocessors; Operations; Payment; Peak periods; Planning; Publicity; Radio; Railroad stations; Railroad tracks; Sensors; Subways; Tariffs; Television; Timetables; Transportation operations
• Identifier Terms: Tyne and Wear Metro
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• Old TRIS Terms: Operations planning
• ITRD Terms: 669: Area traffic control; 3882: Automatic; 3874: Control; 1144: Operations (transp network); 272: Payment; 612: Peak hour; 8573: Publicity; 6947: Radio; 6120: Sensor; 1095: Station (railway); 241: Tariff; 6949: Television; 1186: Timetable; 1191: Underground railway; 8119: United Kingdom
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Finance; Operations and Traffic Management; Passenger Transportation; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00322568
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 30 1981 12:00AM