AUSTRALIA: Interstate rail infrastructure manager ARTC has completed proof of concept trials with the Advanced Train Management System being developed with Lockheed Martin and subcontractors Ansaldo STS and Seneca.The Stage 1 trials between Port Pirie and Port Augusta north of Adelaide aimed to establish whether capacity and reliability could be increased by replacing conventional signalling with ATMS, which is based on GPS train location and Telstra 3G communications. The trials confirmed that ATMS can successfully deliver electronic movement authorities to the cabs, manage trains with and without onboard equipment, determine train positions, control turnouts and enforce speed and movement authorities. ‘This successful trial stage provides a real boost to the project’, said ARTC CEO John Fullerton on June 16. Proving the core concept gives the industry ‘confidence that a new paradigm for train control is both achievable and a viable alternative to conventional signalling systems’. ATMS will continue to evolve in consultation with railway staff and regulatory authorities. Stage 2 of the trials will focus on using smaller virtual blocks to increase capacity, as well as managing the full range of train and track worker authorities. With effect from July 1 ARTC has leased 370 km of track on the The Gap – Boggabilla line from the NSW Country Rail Infrastructure Authority to expand its Hunter Valley network. More...
