Cooperative Situation Awareness for a Railway Collision Avoidance System (RCAS)

Abstract

This paper introduces a new approach addressing the problem of colliding trains. As opposed to "traditional" technical train safety systems, the approach does not require any technology in the infrastructure, i.e. along the railway track, but entirely relies on pervasive information and communication technology in the trains. The approach combines three core technologies: a direct train-to-train communication system, an accurate localization system and a cooperative situation analysis and decision support system. The system has been implemented and demonstrated with real trains, showing the huge potential for saving lives and avoiding damages.