Basic train control system for regional branch lines - Field test report

This paper presents a new kind of train control system for branch lines which are operated by radio-based operational train control. Most branch lines with such operating limitations cannot afford the cost of investment for modern signalling systems. The train control system presented herein represents a low cost solution which improves safety, increases ease of operation, and introduces an interesting level of automation without any costly line-side installations. It is based on data radio communication between the central computer, which is located in the dispatchers office and trains (each train is equipped with an on-board computer), cab signalling in the trains, and autonomous determination of train location using GPS and an odometer. Low cost has been achieved by using standard industrial computer hardware within the trains and by omitting any line-side installations, such as signals. Safety has been achieved by special operational sequences and by software redundancy. In Austria this system is in full operation on several lines (standard as well as narrow gauge) with a total length of appr. 90 km.