Train protection, train control and signalling (combined in the CCS subsystem) are essential elements in the overall railway system. While automatic train protection, for example as the European Train Control System (ETCS), has always required the interaction of infrastructure and vehicle, the system interconnection with the implementation of Automatic Train Operation (ATO) as an intervention from the Traffic Management System (TMS) on the train movement must also be increasingly taken into account in terms of train control. However, even “within” the infrastructure or vehicle, an ideal implementation of CCS is only possible if all dependencies are accounted for. For example, there are dependencies on the track topology, on protection sections and on the overhead line system as well as on the braking capacity of the vehicle.

The provision of infrastructure capacity is the core product of railway infrastructure companies (IM). The allocation of capacity, the compilatoin of train paths, goes hand in hand with the operational quality achieved (e.g. as “punctuality”). Track capacity and operational quality are influenced by a multitude of factors. These include the entire zoo of infrastructure design, control and command technology, dynamic properties of the rolling stock, buffer and reserve times as well as dependencies in the timetable structure, availability of components, induced delays and applicable scheduling rules. The aim of railway operational studies is usually to increase track capacity and operational quality by varying the influencing variables mentioned.

Railway operation research leads to the best possible goal once they take into account the railway system as a whole. We combine this holistic approach with the requirement to also take into account the often political environment. Technically, we use our own software solutions (LUKS, OnTime, OpenTimeTable, LaaS), which provide the necessary procedures and can always be updated to meet individual requirements. As part of quattron group, we offer support throughout the entire life cycle of complex projects. We provide the following services with a focus on railway operations:

Depending on the study horizon, various methods (e.g. queueing theory, simulation, train dynamics) are used to quantify and evaluate the interactions between all subsystems. All methods are in accordance with the relevant regulations of the railway infrastructure companies. Thanks to our scientific background, we can extent the methods used, if necessary, to meet specific requirements.