Experience the traffic management of the future from the driver’s seat

The ‘moving block’ is a concept of rail traffic management and control systems that allows trains to run much closer to each other, improving line capacity and performance. This system will upgrade the European Train Control System (ETCS) to level 3, which means the implementation of full radio-based train spacing without the need for physical train detection devices.

Shift2Rail members will present three demonstrators at InnoTrans showing how the ‘moving block’ system works in urban, suburban, high speed and freight traffic management. They will present the practical tests they have conducted, offering simulated views from the cabin’s driver.

The ‘moving block’ technology ensures highly optimised headways, reducing the intervals between trains to a minimum while at the same time guaranteeing that a train can stop in case of emergency.

The current signalling system, named ‘fixed block’, makes use of physical detection devices to locate trains on the tracks and to determine the necessary safety distance, which sometimes creates unnecessary long intervals between trains.

Using the new ‘moving block’ system, the leading train communicates its position to the following vehicle, which automatically calculates the necessary safety distance. This means that the system is continuously fed by real-time information and therefore highly adjustable, making it possible to drastically increase the line’s capacity and performance.

When: Tuesday 18 (1pm-2pm): Low traffic and freight trains (by Ansaldo STS and Trafikverket)

Wednesday 19 (11.30am-12.30am): Urban and suburban rail (by Siemens and Network Rail)

Thursday 20 (12pm -1pm): High speed line (by Thales and SNCF).

Where: Stand 203, Hall 4.2

For more information have a lock at the Shift2Rail agenda at InnoTrans 2018 here.

Moving Block at Shift2Rail stand at InnoTrans 2018