Reducing Delays in a Metro (subway) Environment | USA
train-detectionUnited States of America

Reducing Delays in a Metro (subway) Environment | USA

Country
United States of America
Segment
Urban
Application
Triggering of Systems
Products
RSR180, FAdC®
Year
2022
Scope of project
3 counting heads
Download

A large metro operator was researching ways to reduce bottlenecks that were causing significant delays at a busy station. With two routes dividing in close proximity to the station and a complex auto-routing system that required the use of a 30-second timer to release switches, trains would frequently back up when approaching the station.

The primary goal for any busy Metro line is to move passengers safely and efficiently. When consistent and unnecessary delays interfere with such goals, operators eventually look for improvements. In this instance, consultants were tasked with finding a solution, focusing on the legacy signaling system that was unable to offer relief from the bottlenecks.

The main issue leading to delays involved the switch located directly after the station platform being locked in its position for 30 seconds when the approach is occupied. Stopped trains that require the switch to be thrown in reverse position would have to wait for a 30 second ASR (Approach Stick Relay) timer to expire.

In conjunction with the operator, Frauscher was able to design a simple wheel detection solution that positively verifies when a train is berthed at the station platform, allowing a bypass of the 30 second timer. The berthing is verified within 5 seconds, allowing unnecessary dwell time to be saved each time a train takes a route requiring the switch to be thrown. The operator reported dwell time reductions of 40 minutes per day since the system has been in service.

Improved Controls

More granular detection of berthed trains; vital and fail-safe system

Reduction in delays

Allows for quicker response times at timing circuits, providing relief at bottleneck areas and a daily savings of approximately 40 minutes dwell time per day

Ease of Integration

The flexibility of the Frauscher system allowed for a seamless integration with the existing relay-based signal system

Similar Projects
This might also interest you
1/5
data-transmissionUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Headbolt Lane to Rainford Project | United Kingdom

As part of the project to expand Merseyrail services, the operator needed to address the challenge of transmitting indication information over a specific section, spanning from Headbolt Lane to Rainford. In this instance, Frauscher’s technology was utilised to fulfill the data transmission requirements of this project, avoiding expensive and time consuming cabling that would have otherwise been required.
Learn More
train-detectionUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

London to Corby | UK

The project was part of Network Rail’s Midland Main line electrification programme and involved re-signalling between Bedford and Kettering. The goal is the reduction of industry costs and environmental benefits through lighter rolling stock, reduced fuel costs and lower carbon emissions.
Learn More
train-detectionChina

Tram Huangpu Line 1 | China

Tram Huangpu Line 1 (HP1) line is located in urban areas with high traffic density and passenger volume as well as many level crossings. The adverse weather conditions can cause flooding of the track bed and add to the challenges for reliable system availability and operations.
Learn More
train-detectionGermany

Dillinger Hütte | Germany

A new ladder track was required to provide more parking tracks in the steel plant. At the same time, the layout of the dead end tracks were optimised and the efficiency of the whole depot improved by installing the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC®i in combination with the wheel sensor RSR180. With the implementation of the Frauscher Diagnostic System FDS, the overall maintenance costs can be significantly reduced.
Learn More
train-detectionChina

Fenghuang Maglev | China

Fenghuang Maglev is a medium-low speed maglev rapid transit line. Since maglev trains do not have wheels, traditional wheel-based detection systems cannot be directly applied to maglev traffic engineering.
Learn More