Author(s)

R. Wallace

Abstract

Timetable data communication to signal control systems R. Wallace 1. INTRODUCTION Today, modern and developing railway systems are becoming increasingly reliant on automatic signal control systems. Whilst the methods of train control have been the subject of extensive discussion, a key data source, the supply of the timetable plan, is often a secondary consideration. However, the supply of such data can also be a complex issue especially when a standard source has to interface to a number of control systems which span decades of development. The data source is also a primary element in ensuring that the provision of train services is as efficient and reliable as possible, and, in order to meet these objectives, it must conform to the safety and physical constraints of the railway. This paper presents an overview of the differing control systems that the London Underground timetable production system interfaces to, and outlines the structure of the database which permits

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