INIT integrates new rail functionality into its operations control system

MOBILE-ITCS now also incorporates portion working

INIT's MOBILE-ITCS monitors the coupling events, immediately compares whether the new train set corresponds to the schedule and subsequently locates each train section. © AVG

Karlsruhe, 29 June 2022

INIT expands the intermodality of its operations control system by expanding the rail functionality of MOBILE-ITCS and offering a rail capable on-board computer. At the end of 2021, the first "Rail Initiative" module went into operation: This allows rail vehicles to be located in the ITCS and to be contacted via voice and data radio even when they are in tunnels. An additional module is now in the implementation phase: portion working, which will lead to significant improvements in passenger information.

The new functionality will be used by Albtal-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft mbH (AVG), which together with Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe offers a high-performance and environmentally friendly transport service for residents of Karlsruhe and the extended Karlsruhe region. In the "Karlsruhe Model", AVG uses its tram-trains not only on the inner-city tramway network but also on the railway network in the Upper Rhine region. Vehicles are often operated as compound trains which means they only need one of the finite paths for multiple vehicles and can still offer the required passenger capacity.

This method of combining and splitting passenger trains in passenger service is called "portion working" and presents particular challenges with regard to passenger information. This is because reliable departure information still needs to be provided, even if the vehicle coupling fails or the entire train set is delayed.

Until now, the train’s position was located exclusively using the leading vehicle and the coupling process was not checked in the operations control system. As a result, trains that had missed coupling were still displayed according to the timetable and only after their planned separation from the train set reappeared abruptly in the positioning and in real-time passenger information.

The Intermodal Transport Control System MOBILE-ITCS from system supplier INIT now offers extremely accurate passenger information even in portion working mode.

In order to achieve this, INIT first extended its data model in accordance with the TransModel and railML standards using train numbers, compound trains and train compositions. Each tram-train can now be identified by its operational train number (known as a head code) as well as by its commercial train number (the number that passengers use). This makes it much easier to plan, monitor and control portion working.

In the "Karlsruhe Model," AVG uses tram-trains, often running in train sets, on the Upper Rhine region rail network. © KVV/Paul Gärtner

To do this, MOBILE-ITCS monitors the coupling events, immediately compares whether the new train set corresponds with the planned status and subsequently locates each train part. Reliable real-time passenger information is now calculated specifically for each train part and is updated automatically on all the transport company’s passenger information channels. In the event of scheduled deviations, ITCS dispatchers can react immediately using new dispatching measures and can also redeploy staff and vehicles so that the impact on transport services is kept to a minimum.

Several positive results are achieved using this method:

 

  • The reliable prediction of arrival and departure times for all train parts.
  • Information about possible barrier-free boarding by linking platform data with the exact train composition.
  • Improved statistics, documentation and performance indicators.
  • Better schedule adherence due to less time being lost and the reduced risk of issues arising during coupling.

In addition, there was another key reason for the ITCS expansion for Albtal-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft mbH: They can now control all non-safety related aspects in a single system - in INIT's proven Intermodal Transport Control System, MOBILE-ITCS.

Dr. Jürgen Greschner, INIT Group board member explains: "Our ITCS is a powerful tool that enables transport companies to optimally control traffic and reliably inform their passengers. The extension now also covers rail-specific data structures and special rail features, such as portion working. This will provide better support for control centers in the future and will significantly improve the quality of passenger information."

Andrea Mohr-Braun

Head of Department Corporate Marketing
INIT worldwide
Phone: +49 721 6100 113
Fax: +49 721 6100 399

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