Checkpoint systems and their integration into solid state interlockings for automatic train supervision

The introduction of the new ÖBB management operation system has to result in an increase in reliability and quality. At the same time, operational costs are to be reduced. These goals can only be achieved by concentrating the responsible staff on a few locations. Consequently, the traditional train supervision has to be replaced by a technical solution, the so-called Checkpoints. Checkpoints can be defined as trackside locations where trains are examined to detect any deviation from nominal condition. In February 2003, the project “Checkpoint systems and their integration into solid state interlockings for automatic train supervision” was officially started. It is supported by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology (bmvit). In autumn 2004, the Checkpoint prototype has gone into operation on the railway line between Vienna and the Austrian-Hungarian border.