A computerized subway-control system developed by Toronto's Thales Rail Signalling Solutions Inc. could revolutionize the way subways operate around the world. Thales Rail, the Toronto division of France's aerospace-and-defence "giant"
Thales Group, is currently perfecting a subway-control system that allows computers to automatically drive subway trains and co-ordinate
train scheduling.
"The systems, pioneered in Toronto, use radio-transmission technology in
subway trains to control their speed and track how far apart the trains
are. This allows them to safely run much more closely together � as
frequently as 90 seconds apart � than those that use human drivers.
Thales says its automated technology can stop a subway train within 10
centimetres of its target."
"The virtual versions in Toronto allow Thales to test new features and
work out kinks for its clients, transit agencies from Asia to America.
With the press of a button, engineers can simulate a delay caused by a
jammed subway door in rush hour. The computer quickly takes over,
automatically rescheduling trains to run closer together to clear the
growing crowds of waiting passengers."
"We can do all sorts of scenarios here," says Walter Kinio, the firm's
director of research and development. "If something breaks on the
train, if there's a physical problem with the train, the system has to
react to that. We can do all of those tests here."
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