The application of a transmission based moving block automatic train control system on Docklands Light Railway

Continual communication between vehicles and wayside systems is the basis upon which a number of the more modern automatic train control (ATC) systems are based. The adoption of these transmission based systems allows the introduction of new methods of train control, the most advanced of which are the so called moving block train control systems. Unlike traditional train control systems, moving block systems depend upon continual communication between train and wayside elements enabling train position to be reported to a fine resolution and network control continuously optimised. This makes redundant the need to sub-divide the railway into discreet sections or blocks for the purpose of detecting train position and exercising train control. Between 1990 and 1996, a transmission based, moving block ATC system was brought into revenue service throughout the Docklands Light Railway replacing the fixed block ATC system installed at the time the railway opened. This paper describes the project to develop and commission the SELTRAC ATC system onto DLR and the experience gained of the system in service.