Commuter Rail Gets on Track With Next-Gen Tech
Baselinemag, Featured Article
Auconet BICS delivers real-time network management and security for Siemens’ Train Control system
April 20, 2015 – Samuel Greengard for Baselinemag.com writes: "Electronic and computerized control systems are nothing new to the transportation industry. However, marked advances in sensors, mobility, cloud computing and other technologies are now introducing far more advanced capabilities. One company at the center of this revolution is Siemens' Mobility and Logistics Division, an international provider of integrated technologies that are used to manage trains, subways and other transportation systems. Recently, the firm introduced a next-generation infrastructure management system for the Copenhagen S-Bane commuter rail in Denmark, which is operated by Banedanmark.
The new rail network relies on the Auconet Business Infrastructure Control Suite (BICS) to deliver real-time network management and security for the S-Bane, which accommodates 350,000 riders daily across 170 kilometers (106 miles) of double track. The automatic, radio-based train-control system replaces an aging 50-year-old system.
The €252 million project, which includes a revamp of signaling systems and other infrastructure, is scheduled for completion in 2018. It will increase both the capacity and reliability of the rail service, presumably resulting in fewer motor vehicles on the road. This, in turn, will lower carbon emissions and air pollution and will help the city reach a goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2025.
Copenhagen's BICS system includes about 200 access points and between 250 and 300 switches, including approximately 30 backbone switches. It pulls data directly from different machines and components on the trains, as well as sensors and signaling systems on the tracks and elsewhere. The fleet currently includes 135 trains. When completed, the project will reduce service intervals from the present 120 seconds to 90 seconds."