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

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-detectionUnited States of America

Tracking Trains in Houston

Houston MetroRail (METRO for short) is comprised of three light-rail lines covering 22 miles. Two-car, low-floor trainsets are powered by overhead catenary and operated on a mix of rail types, including embedded, grooved, concrete, and ballasted track. Harsh weather conditions such as extreme heat, humidity, and storms with heavy rains causing floods are typical for Houston. Combined with the variable track structure this caused significant malfunctions of the wheel sensors of METRO’s signalling system.
train-detectionChina

CBTC Fallback System on Beijing Metro Lines

Beijing metro, one of the busiest lines in the world, was Frauscher’s very first assignment when entering the Chinese market. Due to its utilised capacity, it requires a great level of stability, reliability and performance of the entire signalling system. The Communication Based Train Control System (CBTC) applied here relies on a backup system consisting of fixed automatic train detection systems. Axle counting systems from Frauscher are perfectly suited for the accurate operation of such stand-by systems.
servicesAustria

Salzburger Lokalbahn

Frauscher supported the Salzburger Lokalbahn, a regional railway in Austria, with a service assignment that included both the maintenance of Frauscher wheel sensors and axle counters as well as hands-on training for the installation personnel. The customer benefited from efficient troubleshooting and tailored training delivered directly on their own equipment.
train-detectionGermany

Dillinger Hütte

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 FAdCi in combination with the wheel sensor RSR180. With the implementation of the Frauscher Diagnostic System FDS, the overall maintenance costs can be significantly reduced.
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.