200907 – Watson – Train Movement & Interlocking Simulation for the Melbourne Suburban Rail Network

The safe and efficient operation of a modern railway depends on many factors. The infrastructure must be built from quality components that are correctly configured and deployed; the operations staff must be well trained and competent; the operating pattern (i.e. timetable) must be appropriate and achievable; and the entire system must be able to detect, analyse and respond to changing conditions quickly, effectively and safely. In all of these aspects, simulation can and does play a vital role. This paper examines simulation concepts and some advancements being made in the context of the Melbourne Suburban Rail Network and some of the future direction of simulation capabilities and technology.