2008 – March – Hermansson & Elestedt – Moving Block Implementation and Optimization

Dan Hermansson MSc, PMP Peter Elestedt MSc Bombardier This paper provides a brief description of a communication based moving block system designed to be compliant with UIC's 'Regional ERTMS' specification and interoperable with the ERTMS Class1 specifications. It discusses in some more detail the optimization of such a system. Bombardier has been working with the implementation of communication based signalling with moving and flexible block principles for mainline applications since the mid 1990's. The first commercially operated system was commissioned in 1998. The moving block principles have since been further refined. This paper discusses Bombardier's implementation of moving and flexible blocks, the rationale behind the implementation and the possibilities in optimizing traffic capacity whilst maintaining or improving the operational safety. The moving block signalling system discussed herein is known as INTERFLO 150. More information about this system can be obtained from Bombardier.