RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Advanced Train Management System (ATMS)

https://www.artc.com.au/projects/atms/

Brisbanetimes --> From the producers of Inland Rail, another blockbuster off-the-tracks mystery

Quote... Their joint project, called the Advanced Train Management System [ATMS], was touted more than 15 years ago as a "new era" for Australian rail freight.

The technology, similar to that used in submarines, would harness satellites and phone towers for tracking and signalling. One rail insider told this masthead several serious incidents would have been prevented had the system been ready.

But something has gone awry. And like the mess of Inland Rail – the extent of which was only revealed by Kerry Schott's investigation – the ARTC and Australian government are keeping details to themselves. ...

https://twitter.com/retrobike_c16/status/1693801215011045416

Hopefully they stop trying to reinvent the wheel and instead go for an ETCS type system instead.

https://www.artc.com.au/2021/02/26/partnership-between-artc-and-lockheed-martin-australia-delivers-next-generation-technology-to-australias-rail-freight-network/

Partnership between ARTC and Lockheed Martin Australia delivers next generation technology to Australia's rail freight network

Friday 26 February 2021

A custom-engineered technology for Australian rail freight network conditions will deliver significant safety, operational and commercial benefits for above and below rail operators, Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Mark Campbell and Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive Joe North said today.

The Advanced Train Management System (ATMS) is a communications-based train control system that precisely tracks trains using GPS and mobile telecommunication technologies. It is now operational and the primary system operating trains safely between Port Augusta and Whyalla in a remote corner of South Australia.

"Initial computer software design and trackside procurement work is already funded and underway for the second stage of the project's rollout," Mr Campbell said. "The world-famous Trans Australian Railway between Tarcoola and Kalgoorlie, and then Port Augusta to Tarcoola will see more comprehensive project works in 2021 as part of ATMS's next phase of deployment.

"We have been working closely with the rail safety regulator on this project, to update the existing, basic safety systems that are in place on the line. ATMS will make the Tarcoola to Kalgoorlie line safer and more reliable," he said.

ATMS digitally connects drivers in the cab to ARTC's network control centre via smart system boxes in the train cab, satellite feed and telecommunications.

ATMS provides a simple train control and network operating system, that is easier and more efficient for operators and train control. A simple system, so that operators can focus on the task at hand.

The ATMS project team has worked closely with rail companies on its operation, and the design and use of the driver interface in the locomotive cab – it has included Human Factors expertise and extensive user testing with train drivers as well as Network Controllers in ARTC's Adelaide-based train control centre.

"The ATMS is a strategic project to provide significantly upgraded capabilities to both ARTC and the rail industry of Australia," Mr North said.

"Lockheed Martin Australia has been proud to be the technology partner to ARTC and the Australian Government in developing this system and a range of innovations that no other train control system can offer currently," he said.

"ATMS equipped trains have the ability to travel closer together with enhanced safety and do not have to be restricted to long sections of separation between trains defined by where traditional signal posts and track circuitry are based. This means train passing and crossings will happen more effectively and efficiently – safety is increased through authority and speed limit enforcement."

ATMS operated final phase commissioning trials on the Port Augusta – Whyalla line from December 2019, which provided familiarity to the system for the rail operator (Pacific National) and Interstate operations, and an excellent training platform for network controllers and rail traffic crews. These were formally completed in August 2020 allowing the system to enter into live operations.

More than 90 drivers have been trained in ATMS at Pacific National's Port Augusta depot, as well as network controllers at ARTC's Network Control Centre in Adelaide.

"ATMS brings a range of safety, productivity, capacity and situational awareness benefits to rail operations. The most exciting is its automatic safety intervention capability," Mr Campbell said.

"ATMS will ensure trains do not exceed speed limits by warning the driver if the train is approaching the end of its authority. If the driver does not bring the train to a stop, ATMS will apply the brakes and bring it to a stop," he said.

"Deploying digital capabilities is central to us achieving operational excellence for our customers. We are very excited at how ATMS will help us continue to deliver a safe, reliable and efficient rail network."

Mr North acknowledged that: "The system will also allow for the 'fleeting' of multiple trains across the same section of track travelling in the same direction. This will save having to add expensive infrastructure on the ground and focuses on increasing the capacity of the existing infrastructure."

"This is next-generation technology in action," he said.

"Lockheed Martin Australia's proven expertise in building, integrating and sustaining advanced technology platforms has been essential to the development of ATMS and it is only fitting that this world-leading technology and our sovereign team of talented system engineers will see its future deployment across a world-renowned section of railway.

"We do defence technology and security, we do systems engineering and we provide solutions to the difficult problems. ATMS encapsulates all of these facets, whereby our world class engineering team have cleverly evolved defence technology to deliver a game changing commercial product which provides significantly upgraded capabilities to both ARTC and the rail industry of Australia."

ENDS

QuoteA custom-engineered technology...

That about says it all! One of the great things about ETCS is it is a standard piece of tech, off the shelf, with customisation only required for network specific things. And if you get sick of the company doing the installation etc., they can be booted and the next company continues where the last left it, as everyone uses the same parts/components etc.

Yo, this is all nutz!  CBTC systems are nothing new.  Why they went with the custom engineered solution is a bit difficult to understand.  It does appear this project is off the rails, nothing new for ARTC sadly,

A freebee with some fighter jets or submarine?

Quote from: ozbob on August 23, 2023, 07:15:59 AMYo, this is all nutz!  CBTC systems are nothing new.  Why they went with the custom engineered solution is a bit difficult to understand.  It does appear this project is off the rails, nothing new for ARTC sadly,

I have had some further advice, due to the distances involved and the fact radio coverage was poor in some areas, lineside equipment, track circuitry would be difficult in the remote areas as well.  So the start point was probably reasonable but things have changed over the last 15 years at lot.  It appears that the project has not progressed as originally envisaged.  So probably needs a complete review/rethink ?

I suspect a bespoke system is required given the nature of the ARTC network.  If anything the money involved seems relatively cheap, albeit the current status is inexplicable.