ERTMS Operational Procedures Overview

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Questions and Answers

What must a Driver do when they see a red aspect displayed on a signal?

Continue without stopping if the line is clear

Pass the signal at maximum speed

Wait for a Written Order or Track Movement Authority to pass (correct)

Proceed, but reduce speed to half

What does a green aspect on a colour light signal indicate?

Driver may pass at no more than the permitted maximum speed (correct)

Train should reduce speed to a quarter

Next signal must be checked before proceeding

Train must stop and check for clear line

What is the responsibility of the Person Controlling Train Movements?

To directly drive the train and issue orders

To observe lineside markers and signals during shunting movements (correct)

Only to operate the train at designated speeds

To manage train schedules while ignoring signs

What does a Limit of Shunt board indicate?

The limit of shunting for forward movements Signup and view all the answers

What should a Driver do upon encountering a Stop Board?

Stop until explicit authority is given Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of ERTMS Marker Boards?

To provide visual locations for authority to move Signup and view all the answers

Which action is NOT permitted when encountering a Calling On aspect?

Proceeding without authority from the Train Controller Signup and view all the answers

What color does the triangle on the ERTMS Marker Board point towards?

The trackside indication for movement authorization Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Ground Staff is accurate?

They assist with train movement and observe signs during shunting Signup and view all the answers

What should a Driver do if they see a Limit of Shunt board during operations?

Proceed unless otherwise prohibited by the Train Controller Signup and view all the answers

What must the Driver immediately do if the ERTMS equipment fails to transition when entering an ERTMS area?

Make sure the train comes to a stand Signup and view all the answers

If the ERTMS equipment fails to transition to level 0, what is the first action the Driver must take?

Contact the Train Controller Signup and view all the answers

What action should the Train Controller take immediately upon learning of an ERTMS system failure reported by a Driver?

Inform the Chief Train Controller Signup and view all the answers

How should the Train Controller respond if they notice a train has failed to transition without being notified by the Driver?

Contact the Driver immediately to stop the train Signup and view all the answers

When a Driver identifies a signalling system failure, what is their immediate responsibility?

Inform the Train Controller immediately Signup and view all the answers

What should the Driver do if a signal or Marker Board becomes difficult to see?

Notify the Train Controller immediately Signup and view all the answers

If the Driver reports an ERTMS signalling failure, what is the responsible action for the Train Controller?

Signal normally if possible Signup and view all the answers

What must the Train Controller do before issuing a Written Order?

Ensure the train is at a stand Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence if a train fails to transition and the Driver does not report it to the Train Controller?

The Train Controller will stop the train Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for reporting signalling failures during shunting movements?

Ground Staff Signup and view all the answers

What must be done before a train can operate in Shunt mode?

Authority must be obtained from the Train Controller. Signup and view all the answers

What does a Level 0 Board signify?

End of ERTMS Level 2 operation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the Full Supervision (FS) Movement Authority?

Gives comprehensive protection under all conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What information does the DMI display provide to the driver?

Permissible speed and distance of Movement Authority. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario allows the driver to operate a train without a Movement Authority?

In a Staff Responsible operational mode. Signup and view all the answers

What does a Turnout Position Indicator show?

The orientation of the turnout. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during ‘On Sight Received in Transit’?

The train will automatically be supervised down to the ceiling speed. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the solid diagonal line in a Turnout Position Indicator?

The turnout is set for a Diverging Route facing movements. Signup and view all the answers

When must the authority to move the train be obtained during a shunt operation?

Before entering Shunt mode. Signup and view all the answers

What do Clearance Markers prevent?

Movement of adjacent trains while stopped. Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances may Staff Responsible be used?

When the signalling system is unable to issue a Movement Authority Signup and view all the answers

What must be confirmed before a train enters an ERTMS area?

The on-train ERTMS system is working correctly Signup and view all the answers

What action must you take if your train is signaled for a wrong route?

Stop the train as soon as safely possible Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when approaching an End of Authority where the Marker Board is missing?

Stop at the DMI indicated location and contact the Train Controller Signup and view all the answers

Which condition must be fulfilled before transitioning out of an ERTMS fitted area?

You have acknowledged the transition warning Signup and view all the answers

What is the procedure if a Movement Authority is withdrawn while the train is moving?

Speak to the Train Controller after stopping the train Signup and view all the answers

When is it permissible to move a train without authority or supervision?

It is never permissible to move a train without authority Signup and view all the answers

What must a Driver do if they stop the train at an End of Authority after an MA was issued?

Speak to the Train Controller to understand the situation Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a train approaches a Level 2 ERTMS area?

The on-train equipment transitions automatically Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is NOT required before entering an ERTMS area?

Advising passengers regarding the ERTMS system Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

ERTMS Operational Procedures (OPS1)

Driver Responsibilities: Drivers are responsible for observing all indications on the train and trackside signals, adhering to DMI (Driver Machine Interface) and trackside indications, except when rules require a lower speed
Ground Staff Responsibilities: Ground staff monitoring shunting movements must observe all lineside markers, signs, and signals, taking appropriate action accordingly.

Signal Types and Indications

Marker Boards: Locate points up to which trains can move, based on DMI, written orders, Track Movement Authority, or On-Track Machine Protection. Have unique identification plates. Yellow triangle points towards the line.
Color Light Signals: Used where trains enter or exit ERTMS Level 2 Full Supervision. Display three aspects:
Green: Proceed at permitted maximum speed (DMI or Train Controller authorized)
Red: Do not proceed unless authorized by Train Controller (written order or Track Movement Authority)
Calling On: Proceed, but the line ahead may not be clear. No further movement without a Movement Authority or Train Controller permission.
Sign Boards (Stop Boards): Indicate locations where trains may not proceed without explicit Train Controller authorization or local operating instructions (yards/terminals/depots).
Limit of Shunt Boards: Two types exist for forward and propelling shunting movements. These can only be passed with Train Controller authority.
Level Transition Boards: Indicate locations where trains transition between ERTMS levels (Level 2 or Level 0). A Level 2 board signifies the commencement of level 2 operation, while a Level 0 board signifies the end.
Identification Plates (ID Plates): Each signal, marker board, etc., has an ID plate with the Interlocking (IXL) number and specific identification of the equipment.

ERTMS Cab Signalling (OPS1.4)

Driver Machine Interface (DMI): Displays vital information for safe train operation including permissible speed and Movement Authority distance. Additional information might come from trackside signs.
Speed Control: Adhere to the speed indicated on the DMI. Don't exceed lower speeds enforced by technical constraints or rules.
Movement Authorities (MAs):
Full Supervision (FS): Normal MA, allowing maximum speed as defined in Network Operational Appendix, traction specific instructions, train documents or operating instructions. Lower speeds must be adhered to if required.
On Sight (OS): Permits entry into an occupied section, allowing speed required to stop safely short of any obstruction ahead. Ceiling speeds and stopping distances are vital to this.
On Sight (OS) In Transit: Train automatically supervised down to ceiling speed, warning displayed and acknowledged, brake intervention if not acknowledged.
On Sight (OS) received at start of mission: Warning about on-sight mode is displayed; must be acknowledged by the driver or brake intervention will occur.
Operating Modes:
Shunt (SH): Used for shunting movements. Train controller authorization needed before and during a shunting movement. Passenger trains not permitted under shunt mode without specific authorization.
Shunt Selected by Driver: Train must be stationary, shunt symbol not an authority to move, Train Controller authority is required.
Shunt Ordered by System: Driver acknowledgment required, removes train data and terminates communications. Movement authorization from Train Controller is mandatory.
Staff Responsible (SR): Used when a signaling system cannot provide a Movement Authority or if a train's position is invalid. Train Controller authority needed.
Standby (SB): Automatically selected after successful self-test when opening the driver's desk.
Unfitted (UN): Used when running on non-ERTMS lines. Only maximum design speed displayed on the DMI.

Entering/Exiting ERTMS Areas (OPS1.5, OPS1.6)

Entering ERTMS area: ERTMS-fitted train needs working cab signalling equipment, or a Track Movement Authority. Validate on-train system, enter Driver ID and other data, and inform the Train Controller upon completing mission. Transition to Level 2 automatically once train passes the Level 2 Transition board, check the DMI, check for a valid Movement Authority. Movements on non ERTMS lines are managed by Track Movement Authority.
Exiting ERTMS area: Automatic transition; acknowledge the warning of approaching transition. Observe the Level 0 Transition board, check that the DMI displays Level 0, and obey all lineside signals. Inform the Train Controller when the mission is complete.
Exiting to terminal/siding: Local operating instructions apply.

End of Authority (EOA) (OPS1.7)

Missing Marker Board: Stop at the location indicated by the DMI. Contact and inform the Train Controller.
Unauthorized Movements: Do not move a train without ERTMS supervision or Train Controller authorization

Withdrawal of a Movement Authority (OPS1.8)

Automatic Braking/Communication: if an MA is withdrawn, train will brake to a stand, communicate with the Train Controller to understand the reason and instructions. The process requires caution and communication. Train Controller must inform the driver if an MA is being withdrawn prior to actions.
Train Controller Responsibilities: If a Train Controller removes an MA, they are required to ensure the driver is aware of this action before proceeding with it, except in emergencies or specific event handling modules that cover incidents like accidents or weather-related events

ERTMS Failures (OPS1.9)

Transition Failures (Entering/Exiting): Ensure train stops, contact the Train Controller, and follow instructions. Train Controller resolves the issues and determines if a proceed or alternative mode is available.
Running Failures: Automatic braking occurs when ERTMS equipment fails. Ensure to report the failure immediately for all cases and adhere to necessary instructions from the Train Controller.
Signalling Equipment/Boards Failure: Report any damage, missing or unusual aspects of signals and lineside equipment immediately to the Train Controller

Written Orders (OPS1.10)

Train Controller Responsibilities: Issue written orders if need for authority, for different scenarios such as continuing beyond EOA, caution, line inspections, or reduced-speed operation.
Driver Responsibilities: Complete the written order dictated by Train Controller.

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Description

This quiz covers the operational procedures under ERTMS, focusing on the responsibilities of drivers and ground staff. It also explains various signal types and their indications, emphasizing how they guide train movements. Test your understanding of these critical aspects for safe and efficient railway operations.