Innovative, networked software systems such as the PSItraffic Train Management System (TMS) are essential when considered in the context of a growing world population and increasing mobility needs that include strict demands for safety, on-time service, and modern equipment.
It is the foundation for the digitalization and automation of rail traffic processes and enables safe, trouble-free, and economical train operation. PSItraffic/TMS integrates both subways and railways.
Train monitoring – vehicle monitoring during operation
Recorded location data is continuously compared with the dynamic timetable and forecast location data. Arrivals at the stations can be registered and deviations, delays or track usage conflicts can be detected fully automatically. Dispatchers are alerted according to individually definable criteria.
Automatic conflict detection and resolution
PSItraffic detects conflicts on single-track lines or at junctions, informs dispatchers and suggests solutions for fast dispatching steps such as shifting crossing points or deploying additional trains.
Train routing
The train control system implements the current timetable by requesting the assignment of the appropriate track section in a timely manner, enabling short-term scheduling decisions. An integrated controllability check ensures that only executable commands are sent to the signal boxes.
Autonomous train operation
PSItraffic/TMS calculates the optimal driving strategy and speed – even taking into account sudden events and updates – and sends the data to assistance systems. These can intervene in operations semi-autonomously or fully-autonomously, supporting the driver in relevant situations.
Ensuring connections
The system checks in real-time whether connections can be maintained. If certain limits are exceeded, the dispatcher is alerted and can act accordingly. Drivers and passengers are informed automatically.
Coupled train operation
PSItraffic/TMS supports the separation and subsequent joining of combined trains to reach different terminal stations as part of the dispatching and passenger information system.
Passenger information
Data from the system forms the basis for real-time passenger information – in vehicles, at stations and on mobile terminals. Special texts can be created for regular operations and for possible dispatching measures that are automatically selected, depending on the operating state.
Vehicle management
Vehicle management ensures that vehicles are available in accordance with operational requirements. It plans and dispatches vehicles to the garages and controls vehicle parking at the assembly facility.
Quality management PSI cockpit
PSI Cockpit enables flexible access to archive data, determines key performance indicators and creates predefined management reports as proof of quality for task owners, etc.
The system is based on the modular PSItraffic software platform. The platform’s modules can be combined, expanded, and configured as required.
Interfaces to existing systems are based on current industry standards and are continuously adapted. They will be published for domains where standard formats have not yet been established. This makes data exchange with existing IT systems secure and stable.
Standard interfaces for timetable and duty scheduling
Remote operation for signal boxes
Displays, web-based information
Train routing
Quality management system
Passenger information system
Depot management system
PSItraffic/TMS contains a powerful, fast, and flexible optimization core, the so-called Qualicision core, a unique selling point. It is specially designed for resource allocation in complex scenarios with many dynamic restrictions, as are often found in railway operations.
What distinguishes Qualicision:
Outstanding optimization speed with excellent solution quality thanks to modern heuristic optimization methods
High flexibility, e.g. expandability with new disposition criteria and restrictions without having to adjust the optimization core
Proven practical suitability through use by numerous customers
Even complex processes must remain simple to control. For this reason, the design and usability of interfaces and dialogues is especially important to us. User interfaces have a uniform design and are extensively configurable. Specific views can be arranged individually, zoomed, or docked to the edge of the screen. Graphical and tabular representations include:
Route images: Track-specific visualization of the current traffic situation with track infrastructure
Lines: Representation of the traffic situation on a line (abstracted from the track structure)
Time distance diagram: Graphical timetable with optional target-performance comparison
Graphical dialogue: Timetable editing for a single train or for a group including multiple trains
Critical infrastructure operators (KRITIS) must demonstrate that their IT security is state-of-the-art.
While implementing a PSItraffic/TMS, all standards for the specification, design, construction, installation, acceptance, operation, maintenance and modification or expansion of data processing systems for railway applications are considered and adhered to.
For quality assurance, all processes are defined by a system of guidelines. The guidelines and the internal implementation are certified according to ISO/9001:2008 and ISO/IEC 27001:2013.
In accordance with these standards, all IT risks are analyzed, reviewed, and minimized using appropriate measures.
With a partially or fully automated train operation (ATO/CBTC), what has long been a reality in subways is increasingly relevant for long-distance traffic thanks to increasing system digitalization and networking. It is growing in importance for the future viability of railways as it reinforces important strengths of rail passenger transport such as reliability, safety, high transport capacity and sustainability.
The Train Management System PSItraffic/TMS provides an important component for all levels of automation up to fully automated operation.
PSItraffic/TMS collects all operational data and creates optimal train journey profiles which consider current conditions and dispatching decisions. These journey profiles are transmitted to the ATO/CBTC sub-systems. Depending on the configuration level, this results in trip recommendations for driver assistance systems – or even fully automatic operation of the entire network. Depending on the degree of automation, train drivers assume a supervisory function, intervening in the event of malfunctions or dangerous situations.
Whether regarding the questions of pollution levels or urban congestion: Regional and local transport will continue to grow in importance in the coming years. To meet these needs, the supply must grow accordingly.
The expansion of infrastructure is only one option – especially since it requires a long-term horizon for
planning, approval, and construction. By contrast, one popular idea is increasing the schedule frequency by shortening the time between trains.
The MOBILITY manager appears once a year and informs about the latest developments and current projects in public transport.
