THE WASHINGTON METRO AUTOMATIC TRAIN SUPERVISION SYSTEM

The Washington Metro will be operated as a fully automated rapid transit system. Normal system operation will be controlled by the Automatic Train Control System which is comprised of the Automatic Train Protection, Operation and Supervision subsystems. This paper is divided into two parts: Part I provides an overview of system operation, including the role played by each of the subsystems in providing control of train separation and train speed, route security, control of acceleration and station stopping, and maintenance of schedules through computer-directed performance level and dwell adjustments. Part II provides a detailed description of the Automatic Train Supervision system and the methods employed by the computer software to exercise supervisory control of the system. The major programs and the software-hardware interface which provide the supervisory functions for train and terminal operations are described. A discussion of the strategies employed during major service disruptions closes the paper.