Communications Based Train Control (CBTC)

Increasingly larger and complex cities result in increased demand on their mass transit systems. Get ready to meet this challenge with Trainguard MT – the intelligent and future-oriented CBTC solution from Siemens.

Increasingly larger and complex cities result in increased demand on their mass transit systems. Get ready to meet this challenge with Trainguard MT – the intelligent and future-oriented CBTC solution from Siemens.

Trainguard MT – the high-performance CBTC system for maximum throughput and capacity

With challenges such as rapidly growing traffic flows and rising passenger expectations, success for rail operators today is measured on factors such as safety, punctuality and convenience – and, of course, capital and operational expenditure. With Trainguard MT, you can count on 100% punctuality and a 20% reduction in energy expenditure thanks to automatic train operation. Increasing automation also means that the responsibility for operations management gradually shifts from drivers and operators to the system – resulting in increased flexibility as well as improved performance, reliability, and maintainability.

Higher performance

Trainguard MT is a high-performance CBTC system which lets operators maximize their network capacity and throughput. Headways of 90 seconds or less are achieved by using the real moving-block principle for train separation in combination with continuous, bi-directional communication and free-propagation radio.

Better scalability

Trainguard MT can operate at different train control levels. In suburban and commuter areas, where the required headways and train intervals are medium, intermittent train control is used. In metropolitan areas, where minimal headways and short train intervals are essential, continuous train control provides the required performance. By offering different train control levels, Trainguard MT is a highly scalable solution in terms of functions, performance and costs.

Reduced lifecycle costs

Trainguard MT optimizes lifecycle costs by reducing the number of outdoor elements to a minimum and operating the trains with an energy-optimal driving algorithm. Trainguard MT uses fully electronic computer boards that are maintenance-free. Trackside transponders (Eurobalise) do not need external power supply or battery power and are maintenance-free.

Mixed traffic / mixed mode

Trainguard MT can handle trains with different train control equipment at the same time in the same network. This allows for mixed fleets to be used on the same line, i.e. both Trainguard MT- and ETCS-equipped trains can be operated together. Trainguard MT is therefore the optimum choice for mixed-traffic environments.

Continuous train control (CTC)

Trainguard MT with continuous train control features a bi-directional radio transmission channel (CBTC) as well as real moving-block functionality in combination with comprehensive ATO capabilities. Train separation according to the moving-block principle results in minimum headways, thereby enhancing system performance significantly. Color light signals can be reduced to a minimum or even completely omitted. In CTC operation, the energy consumption of trains is optimized by intelligent ATO algorithms.

Intermittent train control (ITC)

Intermittent track-to-train communication allows fixed-block operation with continuous supervision and already offers automatic train operation (ATO) functionality. The intermittent train control level can be used for parts of the line with lower headway requirements or as a temporary system during refurbishment and switchover periods.

Interlocking train control (IXL)

Trainguard MT also supports fall back levels, which still provide basic signaling functions in degraded situations.

Semi-automated train operation (STO)

The train is driven automatically from station to station and the driver merely initiates train departure.

Driverless train operation (DTO)

Train movements are fully automated and a driver is no longer required. Passenger transfer, automatic departure and reversals are handled by Trainguard MT. An attendant is present onboard the train to manage at least emergency situations.

Unattended train operation (UTO)

At this level of automation, additional safety-related measures are needed because there is no staff onboard a train. Safe departure and arrival of the train, including door closing and opening, is controlled automatically.

Proven technology