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Train Control System – design and screen display
Date issue released
Safety Issue Description

The Train Control System permitted the NCO to set an unviable route for the train and then displayed it as viable. The train control system alarm designed to alert the NCO to the setting of an unviable route was nullified by the absence of gauge detection.

 

 

Issue number
RO-2013-027-SI-01
Transport Function
Network Operations
Issue Owner
Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)
Mode of Transport
Rail
Issue Status Justification

ATSB believes that the safety action taken by ARTC will adequately address the safety issue.

Recommendation
Action number
RO-2013-027-SR-076
Organisation
Australian Rail Track Corporation
Action date
Action Status
Released
Action description

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that ARTC undertake further action to address the risk of directing trains onto incorrect gauge track in dual-gauge territory.

Organisation Response
Date Received
Organisation
ARTC
Response Status
Closed
Response Text

ARTC have approved the following system safety enhancements:

  • A change to the Phoenix software program to prevent route setting when gauge detection has not been established. Under this condition an alarm will be displayed to the NCO and points on the affected route rendered unavailable for remote operation.
  • Mechanical gauge indicators will be installed to enhance information to train crews by indicating the gauge compatibility of the points setting. The above actions, combined with those previously implemented, will ensure an appropriate level of operational safety during failure conditions.