Caltrain Modernization Program kicks off advanced signal system work
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
California's Caltrain has begun work on an advanced signal system that will improve the performance and enhance the safety of the rail system, formally kicking off the first element of the Caltrain Modernization Program.
Called the Communications Based Overlay Signal System (CBOSS) Positive Train Control (PTC) Project, the new installation is the first step in the Caltrain Modernization program that will lead to the electrification of the rail system and prepare for future high-speed rail operations.
The CBOSS PTC system equips the corridor with safety technology and increases system capacity, which will help accommodate future increases in services and make it possible for Caltrain to respond to skyrocketing ridership demands.
This phase of the project involves installing a fiber optic backbone along the Caltrain right-of-way so that signals, trains, dispatchers and other components of railroad operations can communicate seamlessly. Once complete, the system will monitor and, if necessary, control train movement in the event of human error.
This system will increase safety on the Caltrain corridor, which has more than 40 at-grade vehicular and pedestrian crossings by eliminating the risk of train-to-train collisions; reducing the risk of potential derailments by enforcing speed limits and providing additional safety for railroad workers on the tracks.
More dependable passenger service and operating performance will be achieved through improved accountability and management of train schedules; enforcement of scheduled station stops (a train will no longer be able to overshoot a station stop or platform) and improved grade crossing performance (travelers crossing the tracks will benefit from reduced gate downtime and improved local traffic circulation).
CBOSS PTC reduces the distance required between trains to assure safety, matching the safe braking needs to specific train types. Combining the CBOSS PTC Project with the operation of high-performance electric multiple unit, which is planned with Caltrain Electrification, will upgrade the system to provide faster and/or more frequent service to more stations and more riders.
The Caltrain Modernization Program will electrify and upgrade the performance, operating efficiency, capacity, safety and reliability of Caltrain’s commuter rail service, providing Peninsula communities with a modernized rail service that will help meet growing ridership demand between San Francisco and San Jose.
http://www.caltrain.com/projectsplans/CaltrainModernization.html
http://www.caltrain.com/
