The trend towards higher speed, more frequent traffic and many traffic operators requires new strategies and solutions for efficient train traffic control and utilization of track capacity. Operative control is today focused on controlling the infrastructure. In earlier research we have shifted the control paradigm from today's technology oriented into a more traffic oriented one. This is done by real-time re-planning. The continuously updated traffic plan is normally executed by automated systems. After tests and evaluation in a simulated laboratory environment, the Swedish Rail Administration (Banverket) decided to develop and deploy an operative system to be installed at a traffic control centre. This system, called STEG, implements the main research results. Features of the new system are a dynamic planning view in form of a time-distance graph, decision support that helps the controller to identify disturbances and conflicts and automatic systems for execution of the traffic plan. The traffic controller can re-plan traffic (time aspects, track usage) via direct manipulation of the graph lines in the interface. Track maintenance and other activities can also be planned. The system automatically calculates all consequences of the changes and shows the effects on all trains within the actual time-distance space. A very careful process has been used to go from research results and prototypes to a fully operational system. The process has been very user centred and numerous iterations have been performed. Through this elaborate work, we have been able to ensure that the intentions of the prototypes have been correctly implemented in the final product.
Tomorrow's train traffic systems requires new strategies and solutions for efficient train traffic control and utilization of track capacity, especially in traffic systems with a high degree of deregulated and mixed traffic. There are many different goals associated with the traffic control tasks and the work of the traffic controllers (dispatchers). Examples are safety, efficiency of the traffic with regard to timeliness and energy consumption, good service and information to passengers and customers etc. Today's traffic control systems and user interfaces do not efficiently support such goals. In earlier research we have analyzed important aspects of the traffic controller's tasks, strategies, decision making, use of information and support systems etc. Based on this research we, together with Banverket (Swedish Rail Administration), have designed prototype systems and interfaces that better can meet future goals and contribute to more optimal use of infrastructure capacity. These prototype systems have now been developed into a fully operational system which has been tested during 6 months, for control of train traffic in a section of the Swedish rail system. The evaluation shows that the system efficiently supports control tasks and is well accepted by the involved traffic controllers.
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