ABSTRACT
The implementation of a CBTC system represents many challenges to any metropolitan company facing this decision. From economical to organizational issues, from time constraints to human aspects, all factors need to be considered and looked after in the implementation process. The need to implement these systems on an already operating line equipped with a conventional signalling system and the common requirement of “no-service disruption” represent the frosting on the cake adding more complexity to an already difficult scenario.
The key point on the resignalling of an existing line becomes then the migration and implementation strategy: the different phases from the start of the resignalling, till the last train operates with the new system, have to be defined for a smooth transition that can guarantee these requirements are met, and all the different aspects are considered. The availability of use the existing conventional system during migration phases becames then one of the critical point for reducing the implementation risk.
The main question in this situation is how to ease the implementation and commissioning phases of the new product and help the organization smoothing the transition from a conventional to an advanced signalling system getting the best return of investment in the shortest time while making it seamless in terms of service disruption and human factors.
This case study describes the methods put in place by both Metro de Madrid and Invensys Rail for the implementation of a CBTC system in line 7b based on the joint definition, development, testing and safety validation of the system product developed. The approaches followed, the studies undertaken, the results and lessons learnt from the process will be described. A special mention will be made to:
• How the study of the operational aspects with special attention to the safety of a new technical solution will report many benefits to any organization including an expected decrease in the implementation and training time of drivers and operators since the system will be customized to the organization’s philosophy as well as a greater acceptance and less resistance to change because of the organization’s familiarity with the system.
• How a smooth migration strategy has been undertaken using the existing Fixed Block Speed Signalling on Line 7b as a fall back to the new CBTC system.
Many different technological solutions are available today, but the operators need to carefully consider pros and cons of each of the solutions and decide on the strategy to follow. Metro de Madrid seized the opportunity to develop a custom made CBTC system with the invaluable cooperation of Invensys Rail and learned in the process about the implementation of advanced signalling solutions.
Keywords: CBTC, Resignalling, Fallback system.
