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Technology plays a pivotal role in delivering reliable and secure metro operations. But the proliferation of complex sub-systems - such as advanced signalling and smart communications - can create new challenges for operators.
Typically, each different application is supplied with an independent monitoring and control system. The result is a plethora of often incompatible control systems that exist in isolation, rather than working together. This adds to costs, reduces efficiency and means that potential synergies are lost. So what's the solution?

Advanced supervision by Thales
Thales' supervision system is a desktop solution that provides everything an operator needs to monitor and control a metro system. Information is presented on screen for each sub-system under supervision, with consistent display rules and controls for all applications from traffic to power management. To take control of an application, the operator simply clicks on an icon. The harmonisation delivered by the solution goes much deeper than the desktop, though. "It allows operators to optimize their networks" explains Arnaud Besse, Marketing Manager for Integrated Communications and Supervision Systems with Thales. "Instead of having one network per sub-system, they will have just one network centralising all sub-systems. All critical data is centralised at one point with the same human machine interface."
The ability to co-ordinate operations with Thales' supervision system enhances the operational efficiency of the entire metro system - and that's good news for operators and passengers alike. Functionality and fl exibility are expanded; productivity is increased. Installation, training and maintenance costs are lower. Systems are easier to extend and upgrade.

Co-ordination adds value
Delivering optimum network and asset utilisation is a cornerstone of Thales' supervision system philosophy. In the case of Chile's Santiago Metro, for example, Thales' system helps to keep electricity demand under control. High power consumption triggers a traffic c regulation mode. "Our system supervises both power and traffic c management" says Mr. Besse. "For example, when the operator reaches a predetermined power limit, the system can slow trains down to save energy."
The system combines information from many different sources to add new value for passengers as well as operators. Data generated by the Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) system, which knows exactly where trains are, can be fed into Public Information Display (PID) and Public Address (PA) systems, so passengers will know exactly when to expect a train.

Creating a safer metro
Integration also improves safety and security. By linking the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system with electronic station signage via the supervision system, it's possible to provide warnings to prevent platforms becoming overcrowded.
The system also allows operators to respond quickly and effectively to individual passenger needs: one click on the supervision system desktop allows the user to speak directly to a passenger at a help point, or to select radio and telephone communications to talk to staff either on stations or on trains.

Thales' supervision system - your partner in a crisis
Co-ordination between Automatic Train Supervision and CCTV provides an instant overview in times of crisis, while links between fi re detection and ventilation systems on platforms and in tunnels ensures an optimum response should fi re break out.
Thales' solution is designed with total security in mind. As well as providing tools to monitor and control metro operations, it offers active assistance if things go wrong. The Decision Support System presents the user with a total picture of a crisis situation and provides a valuable guiding hand, with on-screen instructions to help resolve emergency situations swiftly and efficiently. It also speeds up recovery after an incident.

The global choice
Rapid transit operators in more than 20 cities have chosen Thales' supervision system in order to deliver smooth, secure and efficient day-to-day operations. Implementations include Singapore's driverless North East Line, opened in 2003 and Santo Domingo's new metro - the fi rst in the Dominican Republic - which is due to open later this year.
"For the Santo Domingo Metro, we're providing a complete multi-system, turnkey solution" says Antoine Shushi, Programme Director for Transportation Systems with Thales. "The solution revolves around a multi-service network that we are deploying, and comprises supervision, security, communications and ticketing systems."

Integration delivered
Thales' Santo Domingo solution includes a supervision system, as well as the sub-systems under its control.
These include CCTV, access control, anti-intrusion, TETRA radio, intercom, telephone and public address, as well as an integrated contactless fare collection system.
In Santo Domingo, Thales is delivering most of the communications-related sub-systems under supervision.
But operators can benefit tfrom the solution even in situations where other companies have installed sub-systems - including legacy systems. Thales produces interfaces that allow communication between the supervision system and any field equipment or sub-system, no matter who manufactures it.

A seamless solution
Singapore's driverless North East Line (NEL), which runs from the city centre to the northern coastal fringe, provides an example of how Thales can integrate sub-systems and equipment provided by other contractors. On the NEL, Thales' supervision system interfaces with 19 different sub-systems, from fi re protection to signalling.
On the NEL project, Automatic Train Supervision (ATS), which regulates traffic movements, is incorporated in Thales' solution desktop, even though the CBTC driverless signalling system was provided by Alstom. Thales' supervision system also interfaces with Mitsubishi's high-voltage power supply equipment and Mitsui's communications systems.

Maximum flexibility
Thales' supervision solution can be re-configured easily as needs change. "The operator has access to all the necessary functions from the same position" says Laurent Delaplace, Head of Systems Engineering Department for Transportation Systems with Thales. "Clearly, one person cannot perform every function, so we can configure each operator position with the functions useful to the operator who will use it."
Thales' solution provides a wide range of different operator profiles and each user has his or her own login. The system provides full visibility and accountability: operator actions can be logged continuously.

Control where you need it
Typically, the bulk of supervision work on a metro system will be carried out in the Operation Control Centre (OCC). However, harmonised architecture means that it's easy to provide localised control at stations, depots and anywhere else the metro operator needs it. Because Thales' solution allows full control functionality to be provided anywhere, it's a valuable tool in times of crisis.
Thales is a global pioneer in the delivery of mission-critical solutions for metro networks, with a track record in advanced transport technologies that stretches back to the 1960s. "We have a large number of references and extensive experience in this type of integration" says Mr. Delaplace. "We understand the needs of the customer and we have the ability to adapt our solution to what suits them best."

(extract from On the move #3, Jan.-March 2008)

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