ATMS: a quantum leap forward – Part Two

By Jennifer Perry

To read Part One of the story click here

The ARTC sees its ability to gain market share of Australia’s freight transport task as “pivotal” to its business success.
“ARTC aims to do this by improving train service availability, transit time, reliability and yield,” ARTC’s ATMS program director Lino Di Lernia said.
“Even so, the rail network will be stretched beyond its configuration capability to meet future demand unless it is able to break through its current operational paradigm that has essentially existed for the last 100 years.”
Following the modern developments in train control technology since 2001, ARTC sees the next generation of train management technology as a key enabler in the development of its capability to meet future demand.
ARTC’s choice of a suitable train technology was based on five principles. The technology must: be supported by a robust, reliable digital communications backbone and reliant on minimal field based infrastructure; have ‘open’ systems architecture; be flexible and scalable and able to support the operations of trains at safe braking distance intervals rather than by the traditional fixed block method.
“Having met these principles, ARTC views ATMS as the most cost effective and efficient way of creating saleable train paths and reliably operating trains on shorter safe headways, rather than the traditional practices of adding to, modifying or replacing existing systems, Di Lernia said.
“ATMS will provide ARTC with enhanced visibility into its rail network operations, reduce its life cycle costs of maintaining trackside signalling systems and increase our capacity to move freight across our network.
“Importantly, the system will not rely on various disparate forms of safe-working and trackside signalling methods and will improve safety through being able to cross verify and check positions of trains and enable intervention where appropriate.”
ARTC is currently engaged in Stage One of the proof of concept phase that is delivering a number of identified ‘base’ functionalities including detailed designs for the system and software development. Stage One is expected to be completed in mid 2010.
Stage Two of the phase is scheduled to commence in early 2010 and will build on more advanced functionalities. Testing on a System Integration Facility will be undertaken in a Lockheed Martin laboratory in early 2010, followed by field testing of stage one functionalities in 2010 in South Australia. Stage Two is expected to be completed by September 2011.
“ATMS is leapfrogging any other technologies available for railways at the present moment – we’re extremely excited about it,” ARTC’s general manager communications and control systems and chair of the ATMS board Mike van de Worp said.

For more information on ATMS visit: www.artc.com.au