Victoria Line - Platform-to-train

Scenario

With an ever increasing emphasis on safety, Metronet/London Underground required a method of safe departure for One Person Operation trains  fromthe thirty three Victoria Line platforms. The project required provision of transmission and receiving equipment on all platforms and a new fleet of trains. The Victoria Line operation had been utilising the traditional method of safe departure involving mirrors/platform based monitors but now required a safer, more effective solution. Because of our extensive experience of both Platform-to-Train systems and the London Underground environment, KeTech was chosen to design a system for this prestigious VLU project.

Clients

Metronet, as an Infraco of London Underground, had a commitment to increase efficiency and safety on the Victoria Line by upgrading the infrastructure and rolling stock. This commitment led to a number of concurrent projects on track and in stations.

Challenge

KeTech rose to the challenge by designing a complete bespoke system from the ground up, working within the considerable time and access constraints imposed by the customer. KeTech managed the Platform-to-Train project on both technical, programme, access and installation issues providing maximum flexibility in all areas.From contract award timescales were always going to be a major challenge, coupled with limited site access due to multiple concurrent projects and a new fleet of trains that were already in final development stages.

Solution

Leaky feeder based transmission technology was selected as the optimum solution for the Victoria Line project. The choice was made against a wealth of experience in the various technology types available for Platform-to-Train applications and is by far the most flexible when performance, installation and ease of maintenance are considered. Leaky feeder transmission has been utilised in the Underground for in excess of fifteen years and has proven to be a highly reliable and robust technology.

In addition to the transmission element of the project, KeTech designed the platform camera configuration to meet the latest London Underground standards for CCTV coverage. This transmission system incorporates improvements in technology and makes provision for the latest trackside and
train-borne requirements. The results speak for themselves – real time interference free colour pictures presented to drivers via the KeTech Platform-to-Train system.

Benefits

The KeTech Platform-to-Train system is based on tried and tested technology to provide the following benefits:
› Extremely high integrity system – enhanced by a train-borne signalling interface
› Licence free operation
› Proven technology – 15 years use on London Underground
› Real Time full resolution pictures
› No active trackside equipment – transmitters located in equipment rooms
› Approved to all relevant train-borne and trackside standards
› Easily tailored to meet additional customer requirements