Resources

By: Mischa Nugent

Date Presented: October 20th, 2024

Mischa Nugent Rail capacity and the lack thereof is currently an omnipresent issue discussed in the rail industry, government and society. The number of services that can be reliably operated on a network, during a defined period, defines rail track capacity. However, assessing capacity is complex, since numerous aspects such infrastructure layout, rollingstock performance, timetable and other general operational issues must be considered. Nevertheless, quantifying capacity is important, since it provides an impartial view on complex capacity issues, determines the capacity constraint and assesses the benefits of capacity enhancing investments.

By: Chris Wilkins, Chris Truscott & Keith Walker

Date Presented: October 21st, 2024

Chris Wilkins, Chris Truscott & Keith Walker One of the most dangerous areas in the Australasian Network are level crossings. Maintenance activities in this area add to this risk and these activities to a large extent have been ignored. All Railway Authorities have processes in place to protect Motorists during level crossing maintenance activities by not closing the road to Motorists unnecessarily or for extended periods. As the Vital Disabling Release (VDR) is tested during the initial commissioning, it can subsequently be applied to the crossing in a safe and timely manner by non-Signalling Staff after the appropriate training e.g. Track Protection Officer (TPO) who is in charge of the worksite. These processes also protect maintenance machinery operating in the vicinity of the level crossing. This paper sets out Aurizon’s direction for introducing a VDR which we believe provides a structure to managing these risks from both a cost and more importantly a safety perspective. Maintenance Engineering Staff have recently requested that the installation of VDR’s become standard practice in all level crossing design. A cost/benefit has been investigated between the existing operation and the VDR. There is a reduction in labour expenses and improved safety after a VDR is installed.

By: Kevin Davey

Date Presented: October 20th, 2024

Kevin Davey The Department of Infrastructure has used a systems engineering approach to develop a strategy and architecture for overhauling the various public transport technology systems, with the promise of extracting significant asset efficiency gains as well as a range of other benefits to customers. This paper examines the strategic context of public transport systems development and describes the process being undertaken to evolve the strategy in an environment of constant change and determine effective engineering solutions. An iterative architectural development process is described which provides a planning platform to scope future public transport systems development projects. Application of the strategy and architecture to a sample systems project is also described.

By: Duncan Bryce

Date Presented: October 20th, 2024

Duncan Bryce This paper* will provide an overview of Victoria’s New Ticketing Solution (NTS) and includes the major components of the NTS, an introduction to NTS devices, an explanation of how the NTS components communicate with each other and an introduction to smartcards and NTS fare products. This paper will also look at TTA and Kamco’s civil works directional boring program which has been used to very good effect to conduct undertrack drilling at railway stations to enable the installation of cabling for the New Ticketing Solution without interruption to train services.

By: John Gifford, Trevor Moore & Joe Borg

Date Presented: October 20th, 2024

John Gifford, Trevor Moore & Joe Borg Track Circuits have been an essential tool for signal engineers to implement signalling control systems for many years. Although jointless track circuits are available, insulated joints are still required for points layouts. In heavy rail traffic situations these impose a maintenance load and affect reliability. Axle counters provide an alternative methodology for rail vehicle detection without insulated joints.

By: George Erdos

Date Presented: October 20th, 2024

George D Erdos This paper is the final in a series to be made to the IRSE regarding TransAdelaide’s Centralised Train Control (CTC) replacement project. In this paper I will review the project from inception through to commissioning. The paper is not intended to embrace the technical aspects of the project which will be covered by the principal contractor, United Group Infrastructure. However, in the paper I will provide a light hearted overview of some of phases of the project including definition, deliverables, elements of the implementation/commissioning and training as used to provide the operational system. Finally we will look at some of the lessons learned.

By: David Hickson & Nik Dimos

Date Presented: October 20th, 2024

David Hickson & Nik Dimos TransAdelaide’s Centralised Traffic Control & Passenger Information systems have recently been upgraded. The new system was commissioned in June 2006 by United Group Infrastructure, replacing 18 year old equipment that had become prone to failure and difficult to maintain.

Date Presented: October 20th, 2024

The total route length of KTMB’s network amounts to approximately 1670 km and is mainly single track except for about 150 km of electrified double track sections around the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, for commuter services.

By: Robert Lowe

Date Presented: October 20th, 2024

Robert Lowe This paper describes the technical configuration of the Perth City Section of the South West Metropolitan Railway as defined in the Project Master Plan and subsequent Tender documentation. The form of construction contract is a Relationship based Design and Construct so detailed design is still to be complete. Consequently parts of the completed project may be different from that described herein.

By: Malcolm Lauder

Date Presented: October 20th, 2024

Malcolm Lauder The time for a wholistic approach to delivery of Train Control Systems is nigh !