Frauscher Sensor Technology has completed the divestiture to Wabtec Corporation.

Find Out More
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Supplementing Audio Frequency Track Circuits with Axle Counters | USA
Train DetectionUnited States of America

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

Operator
Charlotte Area Transit System
Country
United States of America
Partner
HNTB
Segment
Metro
Application
Level Crossing Protection
Products
FAdC®, RSR180
Year
2022
Scope of project
6 counting heads

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.

The operators of the Charlotte Area Transit System, at the advice of consultant HNTB, agreed to utilise the FAdC® for a shadow mode trial to determine if it would solve its prevalent issue of false red signal overruns. The main reason for consideration of the axle counter was its high immunity to the electromagnetic interference, which was causing this issue, as well as its ability to interoperate with the existing audio frequency track circuits. The trial was conducted at the Archdale Interlocking for nine and a half months, generating the expected positive results. The data indicated that although numerous events of track circuit “bobbing” occurred during the trial period and generated false overruns, the axle counter data showed that if it had been in service, these overruns would have been prevented.

The FAdC® was able to increase the availability and safety, ensuring consistent and smooth operation of this light rail line. The axle counters were then used to entirely replace the existing AF track circuits, after the vital testing was successfully completed and the personnel was fully trained. After finalisation of these important steps, the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC® was placed in revenue service.

Elimination of false red signal overruns

Protection against environmental conditions and electromagnetic interference

Similar Projects
This might also interest you
1/5
Train DetectionChina

Fenghuang Maglev

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.
Train DetectionCanada

Toronto Transit Commission

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Line 1 Yonge-University is Toronto’s longest subway line, with track circuits utilized for signalling. Due to an increasing number of daily passengers and an aged system the need for upgrading without interfering with the daily operations became readily apparent. It was further required that the new signalling system functions independently of the existing system. It would provide CBTC fallback functionalities, and work as an overlay to the current track circuit-based system.
Train DetectionUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The Borders Railway Project

From Shawfair to Tweedbank, the Borders Railway rail route underwent significant renovations after 45 years of disconnect due to Beeching cuts. Our Frauscher UK & Ireland team were involved in providing innovative solutions for train detection for a section of the Borders Railway route.
Train DetectionFrance

Extension Line D Tram Bordeaux

The Bordeaux tramway was the first French tram system equipped with a Frauscher axle counting system, benefitting from the innovative management methods like Counting Head Control.
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.