Automatic Turnaround

i) The Automatic Turnaround Opportunity

Automatic Turnaround (ATA) provides the possibility to reduce the time taken for a train to reverse by avoiding the time taken for a driver to change ends walking from one driving cab to another. The benefit is that the time saving can be reflected in the timetable enabling the same level of passenger service to be delivered with fewer trains. This provides operating costs savings (fewer drivers) and/or allows the free rolling stock to be used to provide more service. When a new fleet is purchased there is the opportunity of saving capital costs through a reduced fleet size.

The relevant platforms must be equipped with a PTID system or PSDs. Where installed the PTID system will continually monitor the track area within platforms for intrusions by persons or objects that may cause damage or delays to the train. In case of such an intrusion the ATP will stop the train short of the platform (if possible, otherwise the train will be stopped as soon as possible). The area will be equipped with additional risk reduction measures such as CCTV, fencing and warning signs. The train will automatically drive into the platform or siding, reverse its direction and then when required by the online timetable, depart and drive into the next platform. At locations where there is a high service frequency a control will be provided to enable the train driver to report that they are present and ready to take over the train when it reverses. Until this control is activated the train will not depart the siding or platform.

The detailed procedure is different depending upon whether the train is reversing in a platform or siding.

If the train reverses in a siding, the driver gets off the train while it moves into and out of the siding with no member of staff on board. The procedure saves the most time if the platform at the station is an island platform, so the driver simply crosses the platform to rejoin the train.

If the train reverses in a platform, the driver must walk through the train whilst the train is travelling from the penultimate station.

ii) The Automatic Turnaround Procedure (Sidings)

The two locations where trains reverse in sidings behind an island platform are Solrod Strand and Ballerup. The ATA procedure would be as follows:

i) When the driver of a reversing train reaches a platform where automatic reversing is allowed, provided that they have not been informed by the Signalman that automatic reversing is temporarily not allowed then they will

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set the Signalling and Protection System to an appropriate mode and disembark from the train.

ii) Once on the Platform the Driver will go to a control box located to afford a good view of the Platform and open the control box with a generic key. The control box will include an indicator to show when the Train may proceed, a dispatch control and an emergency stop control.

iii) When the Driver notes that Passenger alighting has ceased and the indicator shows that the Train can proceed they will activate the dispatch control. Any doors not yet closed will close and the Platform Edge Doors (if fitted) will close and the Train will depart. The Driver may stop the Train using the emergency stop control if required.

iv) The Driver will visually inspect the pantographs as the Train departs the platform (unless an automated CCTV based inspection system is available). v) The Driver will close the control box and make their way to the departure

platform.

vi) When the entire Train is within the platform, the Signalling and Protection System (Train) informs the Train on which side the doors may be opened (left, right or both). The Train then enables Passenger opening of doors on the specified side(s) when the Train comes to a stop. The doors close automatically after a configured period when no movement is detected, but can be reopened by a Passenger.

vii) The Driver will board the Train and open the desk (using a key), check that the Train is ready for service, log on to the Train (this automatically logs the Driver on to the S-bane Radio).

iii) The Automatic Turnaround Procedure (Platforms)

This can occur at many more locations than the sidings procedure but requires the train to be operating in DTO between the last two stations. The possible locations are Klampenborg, Hillerod, Holte, Farum, Osterport, Frederikssund, Hoje Taastrup, Koge and Kobenhavn H (if a new shuttle service were introduced with trains reversing at Kobenhavn H). The procedure, which would need more development, would be similar to the following:

i) The driver will supervise the departure of the train at the penultimate platform (the last platform before the end of the line or route) in the usual way under STO.

ii) The driver then sets the train to an appropriate mode and leaves the cab through the door into the saloon while the train is motion.

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iii) The driver walks back though the train towards the rear cab. (As it is the last stop the train is unlikely to be crowded and passengers are unlikely to distract the driver).

iv) When the entire Train is within the last platform, the Signalling and Protection System (Train) informs the Train on which side the doors may be opened (left, right or both). The Train then enables Passenger opening of doors on the specified side(s) when the Train comes to a stop. The doors close automatically after a configured period when no movement is detected, but can be reopened by a Passenger.

v) After a minimum elapsed time and not before the timetabled departure time, the train will automatically close any remaining open doors and depart on return trip.

vi) The driver will be expected to be in the correct front cab by the time the train arrives at the first station stop, where the train is reset to STO and proceeds normally.

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