Frauscher Sensor Technology has completed the divestiture to Wabtec Corporation.

Find Out More

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

Homologation for the Île-de-France tramway network

The network of Île-de-France tramways in the region of Paris has been a showcase model of public transport since the line T1 opened in 1992. Over a million passengers use these trams daily and today, the system consists of 11 lines covering over 100 kilometres of track. Over the next years it is planned to expand this network even further. For track vacancy detection, the Frauscher axle counting system is considered as being the ideal solution for this comprehensive network.
Learn More
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 DetectionIndia

Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (Rewari – Makarpura)

The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) represents one of the most strategically significant freight transportation projects in India. By facilitating the seamless transport of goods between major economic hubs, the intention is that the WDFC will significantly boost economic growth and development in the local region and beyond, further underlying the importance of this project.
Learn More
Train DetectionIndia

Ensuring reliable rail operations across India´s longest rail-road bridge

The Bogibeel Bridge is India’s longest rail-road bridge that connects Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, carrying both rail and road traffic across the Brahmaputra River. Harsh environmental conditions and structural constraints made conventional signalling unworkable. The Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC® axle counting system was selected for its proven reliability and low maintenance under these challenging conditions.
Learn More
Train DetectionUnited States of America

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Supplementing Audio Frequency Track Circuits with Axle Counters

At the Charlotte Area Transit System, frequent false red signal overruns resulted when electromagnetic interference caused “bobbing” of the line’s audio frequency track circuits. The Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC® was subsequently considered as an alternative to these track circuits to eliminate the occurrence of false red signal overruns.
Learn More