Tracking Trains in Houston | USA
Train DetectionUnited States of America

Tracking Trains in Houston

Operator
MTA Houston
Country
United States of America
Partner
MEC Mass Electric Corp.
Segment
Main & Regional Line
Application
Track Vacancy Detection
Products
RSR180, FAdC
Year
2016
Scope of project
565 wheel sensors, 103 equipment locations
Download

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.

In order to improve the system, METRO conducted trial installations with several suppliers of axle counter solutions to demonstrate features and the overall performance of their respective products. Due to the complicated track structure and environmental conditions, Frauscher quickly understood that the required wheel sensors had to be simple to install, immune to extreme heat as well as waterproof as floods could easily occur. The trial results demonstrated that the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC met all of METRO’s requirements in terms of environmental influences, interfaces, reliability and seamless integration into the existing infrastructure.

The flexible design of the FAdC allows efficient data transfer via relay interface to the traffic control system and interlocking. Additionally, two optional intelligent functions, Supervisor Track Sections and Counting Head Control, were used to counter the effects of unexpected influences such as metallic debris. The installed Frauscher Wheel Sensor RSR180 is extremely robust and not affected by any environmental influences.

In total, 565 Wheel Sensors RSR180 were installed along the rail line, and the axle counter Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC in 103 locations throughout the network to guarantee a flawless operation of the line.

Excellent match of requirements

The Frauscher axle counting solution met all of METRO’s environmental, interface and reliability requirements. The straightforward installation and smooth transition from the existing train detection system was highly appreciated by the operator.

Reduction of costs

The new system caused a significant reduction in down time and maintenance costs, which will continue to add up over the lifecycle of the system. The additional smart functionalities that were implemented increased the availability of the system even further.

Similar Projects
This might also interest you
1/5
Data TransmissionIndia

South Central Railway

The Vijayawada Division of Indian Railways introduced a new train detection system with data transmission functionality to overcome the challenges of the existing BPAC and conventional quad cable-based systems. Frauscher implemented the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC, featuring full redundancy, advanced reset mechanisms and remote diagnostics. This upgrade delivers significant cost savings and enhanced system availability for the operator.
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

Axle Counter Overlay System

Between London St Pancras International Station and Farringdon Station, there is a history of frequent flooding through the tunnels that adversely affected the reliability of the existing train detection system. Due to this, the installation was non-operational during large periods. However, being a mainline section and a core route through London, high reciliation to any sort of failures is vital.
Learn More
Train DetectionSerbia

Hungary-Serbia Railway Project

The Hungary-Serbia Railway Project is an iconic project of the “One Belt One Road” Initiative between China and CEE countries. Frauscher provides not only high-quality solutions but also detailed technical support and clarification.
Learn More
Train DetectionIndia

Vijayawada – Gannavaram Rail Line

The Vijayawada – Gannavaram rail line belongs to South Central Railway and is situated in Andhra Pradesh. Initially, the line featured a conventional signalling system and there was a requirement by the operator to update this into an automatic signalling system with the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC.
Learn More