Frauscher Sensor Technology has completed the divestiture to Wabtec Corporation.

Find Out More
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 DetectionTaiwan

Shalun Signaling

The Shalun Line is frequented by four-car-trains and located in the south of Taiwan. Tropical conditions with temperatures between 22 and 28 degrees and high humidity are not the only challenge the Frauscher Axle Counter Solution has to deal with.
Train DetectionDenmark

Renewal signalling FAdC and RSR123

Banedanmark, the Danish railway infrastructure owner, started replacing the existing signalling system in the Eastern region of Denmark in 2009 to implement the newest proven signalling technology, based on standard industrial hardware components and redundant system configurations. Uniform system interfaces should reduce signalling failures to provide a better reliability and punctuality of the entire network. For this project, Frauscher delivered the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC and the Frauscher Wheel Sensor RSR123.
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.
Train DetectionCanada

City of Calgary Grade Crossing Upgrade

The City of Calgary in Alberta, Canada was seeking an upgrade to the existing signaling system at a crossing near a station in the downtown area, to alleviate shunt issues caused by winter conditions. The Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC and Wheel Sensors RSR180 were chosen to augment the existing system. During the eleven month trial period, the axle counter ran in shadow mode with the legacy system to gauge performance and compatibility. After the axle counter was proven during the trial with no faults or errors, the city was able to implement a hybrid crossing design using both the axle counting system and track circuits.
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.