C-ITS im Einsatz bei der Verkehrsgemeinschaft Frankfurt

RAMS management for the VGF's Cooperative - Intelligent Traffic System (C-ITS)

YUNEX GmbH

Frankfurt, June 2023 to May 2024
Digital Interlocking/CBTC

The “Digital Train Control” (DTC) project is a groundbreaking futurisitc project of Verkehrsgesellschaft Frankfurt (VGF). The aim is to replace conventional train control and establish a digital solution.

The implementation is characterized by a high degree of innovation. In addition to the Siemens Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) devices for train control areas, the C-ITS from YUNEX is also being used for the first time to digitize vehicles, routes, and communication devices for the train control areas. The implementation of a virtual blocks as part of the C-ITS is also a novelty in Germany. In the future, train location will be carried out via GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and via a central route atlas with virtual trigger points to meet the requirements of signaling equipment (such as line side signals, point controls, level crossings) as well as to control trains at stop signals or faulty signals. The result is improved use of the infrastructure with 43 digitized route kilometers and 650 on-board units.

 

As part of the project, in addition to the above-mentioned request devices and the virtual blocks, a speed assistant function with a warning message when speed is exceeded will also be introduced. Train drivers will also receive support through a visual speed recommendation for optimized journey times. The main benefits are the replacement of conventional equipment, increased frequency, energy savings, and public transport prioritization.

 

NEXTRAIL accompanies the project as a partner of YUNEX, which leads the digital signaling technology to the C-ITS implementation. NEXTRAIL's services include process and RAMS planning, RAMS-relevant documentation, and coordination between project executors, experts, and the technical authorities.

Key areas of service

  • Appropriate process and RAMS planning according to EN 5012x

  • Process coordination and monitoring

  • List and order of Documents

  • Support in the creation of documents

  • Support in verification and validation process

  • Coordination with experts and TAB

  • Creation of RAMS analysis and safety proofs

Special features

The first use of the C-ITS is groundbreaking. Within this, a virtual vlock implementation can be carried out for the first time. In addition, there is the first specific assessment and approval of the C-ITS.

Contact person

Here you will find your contact person for Safety Management
Expertin Dr.-Ing. Sonja-Lara Bepperling

Dr Sonja-Lara Bepperling

Member of the Executive Board, Head of Railway Safety, Registered inspector for equivalent safety and risk assessment
Frankfurt am Main office
Dr Sonja-Lara Bepperling is a member of the Executive Board and Head of Railway Safety at NEXTRAIL GmbH. For 15 years, she has been a proven expert in operational and technical risk analyses in the railway sector – in control-command and signalling system in particular. She possesses methodical expertise in risk and hazard analyses as well as in-depth knowledge of the processes involved in the approval processes.