REGISTER

P. Gartner MIRSE

Rail Engineering Group, Signals & Communication Engineering

An important concept of the Melbourne Underground Rail Loop was to overcomebthe turn-around limitations imposed by Flinders Street Station by allowing through train operation. The changes to the track work required to make connections to the four loop tunnels and to improve traffic flow through the Flinders Street Yard were considerable and involved extensive resignalling.

To obtain the full benefits from the improved infra-structure resulting from the introduction of the underground loop, the then existing Signalling and Control Systems were updated. A significant  step in this direction was the provision of a new Metropolitan Train Control Centre (METROL).

The nucleus of this control centre is a computer-based Train Describer and Remote Control System. Associated systems are a passenger information display system, control and monitoring of electrical and mechanical services in the underground stations and various improved  telecommunication ancilliary equipment.

Metro1 has, for the first time, enabled the operating staff to see at a glance the total pattern of train movements within the complex Flinders Street and underground loop area.