Preliminary study at Rhaetian Railway (RhB)
In November 2023, the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) commissioned Emch+Berger AG Bern to conduct a preliminary study into the possibility of how fully automation of train operations within the RhB network can be ensured using the ZSI 127 train protection system or other existing systems that may need to be further developed.
RhB is the system leader of the ZBMS standard (train control for meter and special gauge railways) and plays a vital role in future-oriented projects for the digitalization and automation of the Swiss railway landscape.
By further developing or introducing new control and safety technology systems additional capacity can be gained on the existing rail network, together with Automatic Train Operation (ATO). The need for route expansions and, in the case of GoA3 and GoA4, for train drivers, can be reduced.
The preliminary study provides initial answers to the following questions:
- Which target signal system for cab signalling meets the requirements of operational and technical accessibility of ATO GoA3/4 in railway operations?
- Which existing systems are suitable for cab signalling and which variant should be further developed?
- Second opinion on a RhB study on the extent to which ATO operation GoA4 is commercially feasible under the current existing system ZSI 127
The basis for the three main variants examined is a slide shared with Emch+Berger showing the position of the Federal Office of Transport (FOT) on ATO for meter gauge.
The interim results of the preliminary study were discussed in various meetings with the RhB operations department.
The result of the study was presented to the FOT.
