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L.Y. Lam MSc, CEng, MIEE, MIRSE, MIEAust

The Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway Corporation

The Mass Transit Railway employs a speed code fixed block signalling system which is a derivative of the British Railway main line signalling system in which at least one clear block is maintained between trains. This system imposes a number of limitations on design flexibility. The block length design has to cover all types of rolling stock running on the line and it is difficult to optimise the line capacity. This paper describes a signalling system which employs the distance-to-go principle with on-board intelligence and - using continuous bidirectional communication between train and trackside equipment. It provides an effective means of continuous train regulation control, condition based maintenance as well as improved system availability and safety.