Automatic train operation in the CBTC system

Abstract

Rail transport adapts to the requirements of the modern agglomerations and provides solutions that ensure greater speed and capacity, while being environmentally friendly. Alternative means of rail transport as well as train control systems are proposed. The basis of innovative, effective, attractive and, above all, safe railway is a traffic automation, which can be implemented to a varying range and degree. Automation of systems of the train control and railway traffic management is an area that is constantly being scientifically researched and developed. The most technologically advanced control systems, in which the human factor is eliminated, are CBTC systems. This article presents the characteristics and components of one of the CBTC class family solutions used in the world, i.e. Bombardier’s product - CITYFLO 650. On the example of the CITYFLO 650 solution, the analysis of the fully automatic train operation was performed. Each of the stages of the fully automatic train operation was included in this paper. The conducted analysis confirms the legitimacy of using the CBTC technology on very demanding city lines. Bidirectional train-to-wayside data communications and determination of train location to a high degree of precision make it that CBTC systems fulfill the criteria set by large, fast-growing cities and a growing population. Poland, as a country currently looking for solutions that would reduce the transport problems of large cities, is considering such innovative proposals for rail traffic.