5. Three families of infrastructure adaptation to the consequences of train hour density

5.1 Signal optimization

Optimize signaling to take advantage of trains' acceleration and braking performance (acceleration is more essential than top speed for operations with frequent stops). For example, the new RER NG developed by SNCF must be able to clear a 225 m platform in 23 seconds. This lever rules out operation with heterogeneous fleets.

The speed of signalling and control systems is essential: a route layout time in excess of 20 seconds is a weakening factor for timetable stability in the face of unforeseen events, when train frequency is around 2 minutes. The introduction of CBTC-type technologies from the...