Interoperable Communications Based Signaling
Encyclopedia
Interoperable Communications Based Signaling (ICBS) is an initiative backed by the Federal Railroad Administration
to enhance interoperability
and signaling
procurement in the railway system of the United States
by creating a single national standard for train control and command systems. The concept was launched in 2005 and an interoperable prototype system was successfully demonstrated in January 2009.
, there is little operating consistency between railroads; each has its own signaling system, operating rules and equipment. When trains must traverse territory under the control of more than one railroad company, they usually must stop and change crews and equipment at each boundary between railroads.
In Europe, similar situations have existed in that trains must change as they move from one country to another. This is being addressed with European Rail Traffic Management System
(ERTMS) and European Train Control System
(ETCS) systems, which enhance interoperability.
, GE Transportation Systems
and Safetran
. Alstom and Ansaldo STS have also developed ERTMS systems in Europe.
Federal Railroad Administration
The Federal Railroad Administration is an agency in the United States Department of Transportation. The agency was created by the Department of Transportation Act of 1966...
to enhance interoperability
Interoperability
Interoperability is a property referring to the ability of diverse systems and organizations to work together . The term is often used in a technical systems engineering sense, or alternatively in a broad sense, taking into account social, political, and organizational factors that impact system to...
and signaling
Railway signal
A signal is a mechanical or electrical device erected beside a railway line to pass information relating to the state of the line ahead to train/engine drivers. The driver interprets the signal's indication and acts accordingly...
procurement in the railway system of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
by creating a single national standard for train control and command systems. The concept was launched in 2005 and an interoperable prototype system was successfully demonstrated in January 2009.
Background
In North AmericaNorth America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
, there is little operating consistency between railroads; each has its own signaling system, operating rules and equipment. When trains must traverse territory under the control of more than one railroad company, they usually must stop and change crews and equipment at each boundary between railroads.
In Europe, similar situations have existed in that trains must change as they move from one country to another. This is being addressed with European Rail Traffic Management System
European Rail Traffic Management System
The European Rail Traffic Management System is an initiative backed by the European Union to enhance cross-border interoperability and signalling procurement by creating a single Europe-wide standard for train control and command systems....
(ERTMS) and European Train Control System
European Train Control System
The European Train Control System is a signalling, control andtrain protection system designed to replace the many incompatible safety systems currently used by European railways, especially on high-speed lines.- History :...
(ETCS) systems, which enhance interoperability.
Companies
Companies developing ICSB systems include Alstom, Ansaldo STSUnion Switch & Signal
Union Switch and Signal was a supplier of railway signaling equipment, systems and services in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As of January 1, 2009, US&S is known as Ansaldo STS USA.-History:...
, GE Transportation Systems
GE Transportation Systems
GE Transportation, formerly known as GE Rail, is a division of General Electric. The organization manufactures equipment for the railroad, marine, mining, drilling and energy generation industries. It is based in Erie, Pennsylvania. Locomotives are assembled at the Erie plant, while engine...
and Safetran
Safetran
Safetran Systems Corporation is a US-based supplier of switch machines, railroad wayside signal systems, rail transit signaling and rail-highway grade crossing active warning systems....
. Alstom and Ansaldo STS have also developed ERTMS systems in Europe.
2005
- Fall: Railroads ask the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way AssociationAmerican Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way AssociationThe American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association is a North American railway industry group. It publishes recommended practices for the design, construction and maintenance of railway infrastructure, which are requirements in the United States and Canada.-Overview:AREMA is...
(AREMA) to define an interoperable radio-based cab signal system. AREMA assigns this task to AREMA Committee 37.
2007
- September: FRA obtains a $500,000 grant administered Railroad Research Foundation for a lab demonstration of ICBS.
- October: GE Transportation Systems, Safetran and Ansaldo STS (US&S) release draft manual parts for ICBS.
- November: The FRA Office of Research and Development and the Railroad Research Foundation (RRF) finalize a Cooperative Agreement ( DTFR53-07-H-00005)to allow for system demonstration through a lab test; and to verify the interoperability specifications provided in the AREMA Manual Parts. Critical Link of Syracuse, New YorkSyracuse, New YorkSyracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
begins work on Simulators and the demonstration test environment. - December: Kickoff meeting for a demonstration is held in Syracuse.
2008
- January: Alstom agrees to participate in the demonstration.
- March: AREMA Committee 37 approves the AREMA Manual parts.
- May: Status of the demonstration is presented at the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers North American Section Annual General Meeting in Grapevine, TexasGrapevine, TexasGrapevine is a city in northeast Tarrant County, Texas, United States located within the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. As of the 2010 census the city population was 46,334. The city's moniker is derived from the native grapes prevalent in the area. In recent years several wineries have...
. - August: Basic demonstration system is operational. This includes simulators, test drivers and the Safetran Wayside Appliance and Signaling Logic Processor subsystems.
- September: Status of the demonstration is presented at the AREMA Annual Technical Conference in Salt Lake City, UtahSalt Lake City, UtahSalt Lake City is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Utah. The name of the city is often shortened to Salt Lake or SLC. With a population of 186,440 as of the 2010 Census, the city lies in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, which has a total population of 1,124,197...
. - October: GE Transportation Systems equipment is integrated into the demonstration system.
- November: Alstom equipment is integrated into the demonstration system.
- December: Ansaldo STS equipment is integrated into the demonstration system.
2009
- January: 50 attendees view the successful demonstration of the fully integrated ICBS system (all four participating companies) in a lab in Syracuse, New York.
See also
- Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC)
- Positive Train Control (PTC)Positive Train ControlPositive train control is a system of monitoring and controlling train movements to provide increased safety.-Overview:The main concept in PTC is that the train receives information about its location and where it is allowed to safely travel, also known as movement authorities...
External links
- "Highlights of R&D Activities for PTC Implementation", Federal Railway Administration Research and Development Program Review, March 12, 2009 (see page 11), includes pictures of the demonstration
- Report on "Interoperable Communications-Based Signaling (ICBS) Project", Federal Railroad Administration, April 30, 2009