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| Caltrain/PCJPB Signalling, Communications and Train Control Study |
Project Description
As part of a consultant team working for the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (PCJPB), Parsons conducted a study of the signal, communications and centralized train control (CTC) systems of the Caltrain commuter rail line. Caltrain provides the prime rail passenger service into San Francisco from the south (Gilroy and San Jose) and has recently invested much in new track infrastructure to enable a mix of express and local services to meet the expanding commuter demand. Additional local scale signalling changes are planned to improve headway at certain interlocking locations, and Caltrain has a major investment plan underway to electrify the system at 25 kilovolt (kV) and phase out the current push-pull diesel electric rolling stock. The aim of the study was to identify strategic improvements to all subsystems that will enable Caltrain to achieve its 20 year plan.
Over a tight 12 week schedule, the team familiarized themselves with the current operations and signals, communications, and CTC equipment. All current short term improvement plans were also reviewed. A number of technology alternatives including communications based train control (CBTC) for signalling, the provision of a high speed fibre optic backbone communications system, and the replacement of the existing CTC system, were examined. Analyses, cost estimates and top level schedules were prepared for what were considered to be viable options given cost and complexity of implementation considerations.
The study was completed on time and within budget.
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