Global Trends in Radio-based Train Control Systems

Development and deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System/European Train Control System (ERTMS/ETCS), Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC), Positive Train Control (PTC), and other train control systems that use radio communications is going forward outside Japan. Such train control systems that use radio communications are at the core of innovative technologies for signalling, rolling stock control, and transport systems, and it is important to identify the status of their development and their backgrounds. This article will cover the current state of and issues with train control systems that use radio communications outside Japan as well as expectations for future train control systems in Japan.