ERTMS Level 2: Effect On Capacity Compared
With \“best Practice” Conventional Signalling
Author(s)
W. A. M. Barter
Abstract
This paper reviews potential capacity benefits attributable to ERTMS Level 2
compared with UK Multiple Aspect Signalling (MAS), tests scope for their
exploitation against the practicalities of preparing a comprehensive timetable for
a suburban rail network, and proposes simulation experiments to confirm the
benefits.
The UK is preparing for adoption of ERTMS Level 2, System D, as its
standard signalling system. At the same time growth in passenger demand
deriving from privatisation and socio-economic factors is continuing at levels
beyond those forecast by conventional planning models, and major expenditure
to cater for demand is becoming necessary. It is widely hoped that ERTMS will
offer capacity benefits to help cater for demand in the medium term. A variety of
claims for the potential capacity increases deriving from ERTMS Level 2 have
been made. Many are felt to be simplistic or optimistic.
Effects of ERTMS Level 2 System D are seen to arise principally in the
context of reduction of line headways. Compared with UK MAS, headways are
expected to be reduced by cab signalling normalising block boundaries once
lineside signals are eliminated, and from division of the train safety separation
into shorter signalling blocks. However, line headways are only one factor in
determining the capacity of a network, and other crucial factors are largely
unaffected by the chosen signalling system.
The practical potential of the likely benefits is then tested for plausibility
against the example of the commuter operation serving London’s Charing Cross
station. A 10% increase in capacity is found to be plausible, but only so long as
outputs from unrelated projects can be assumed, and track circuit arrangements
are redesigned for the purpose. Some methods of operation, and public
expectations of the type of service, must also be modified.
Keywords: signalling, operations, capacity, ERTMS.
Keywords
signalling, operations, capacity, ERTMS.
Related Book
Other papers in this volume
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