A Review of the Japanese Train Control Systems

Takunda Victor Gadza, Birhanu Reesom Bisrat

Advanced Train Administration and Communication System, Automatic Train Control, Automatic Train Stop, Operational efficiency, Safety, Signaling, Train control system

Train control is an important component of railway systems that improves safety and operational efficiency. Several different types of control systems have been developed in many countries. Challenges have always existed in train control systems, and the need to solve some of these challenges has influenced the evolution of the systems over the years. Some of the challenges include the need to reduce human error and the amount of equipment required. There is also the need to increase operational efficiency and passenger comfort. This paper reviews the Japanese train control systems. A survey of the literature on Japanese train control systems was performed. The review shows how the train control systems have evolved over the from the early generation ATS-S system to the current ATACS system. The improvements that have been made that include the reduction of human driver control in unsafe conditions, the reduction of ground equipment by leveraging newer technologies amongst other improvements are shown. It also shows the benefits of the improvements that include increased safety, operational efficiency, ride comfort and revenue for the operators amongst other benefits.

https://dx.doi.org/10.31873/IJEAS.10.2.06