200510 – Lam – Interoperability of ATC Systems, Hong Kong – MTR Experiences

Metro systems in general are a self contained rail network. They have their own signalling systems and allow cross line train movements to facilitate operational flexibility. For younger metro systems they normally automated their operations and installed with the latest Automatic Train Control (ATC) system. Whenever they upgrade their signalling system to a new system or extend the network there are always two technical issues to address, the service level during the changeover period and system interoperability between the new system and the existing system.

This paper presents the approaches adopted by Mass Transit Railway Corporation in addressing these issues in its ATC system replacement project and extending its network to Tseung Kwan O new town with a fully compatible ATC system from a different signalling equipment supplier.