Reducing Delays in a Metro (subway) Environment | USA
Train DetectionUnited States of America

Reducing Delays in a Metro (subway) Environment

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
Train DetectionFrance

Axle counting adds fail-safe control to laser diagnostics

When MERMEC set out to install a laser-based Wheel Profile Measurement System in close proximity to the Eurotunnel, they faced a critical challenge: how to avoid unintended laser exposure without compromising the system’s ability to inspect up to 200 trains per day. To meet these requirements, MERMEC partnered with Frauscher.
Learn More
Train DetectionPoland

Metro Warsaw

Metro Warsaw was looking for an alternative to track circuits for the line M2, to increase the availability of public transport by using reliable signalling technology. In the end, the operator even decided to replace the existing track circuits on line M1 with the Frauscher Axle Counter ACS200.
Learn More
Data TransmissionUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Headbolt Lane to Rainford Project

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

Wherry Lines

The Wherry Lines are railway branch lines in East Anglia in the East of England, linking Norwich – Great Yarmouth – Lowestoft. The project aimed to integrate Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC into two external systems to mitigate against a train passing a red signal without authority on approach to level crossings.
Learn More
Train DetectionChina

Beijing Metro Line 12

The Beijing Metro Line 12 is the first metro line that combines Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC® and Railway Signal Safety Protocol Type I (RSSP-I). The line (from Sijiqingqiao Station to Dongbabei Station) was placed into full operation on 15 December 2024.
Learn More