Shunting is the moving of wagons at low speeds to change the train’s composition. Shunting involves both pulling and pushing movements, which can be done remotely through radio control, or by operating the engine from its cabin.
Why is a shunting tool necessary?
Under the current ATB system, there is no traffic controller who sets routes in uncontrolled areas. When a train is shunted, the driver does so on the basis of signals at the yard.
While shunting under ERTMS, the on-board computer does not provide information on how the driver should drive the train. Because ERTMS Level 2 means that the signals along the tracks will disappear, the driver will also not be able to use them. Hence, a tool is required for shunting safely.
Shunting tools
Shunting safely under ERTMS Level 2 without signals along the track is a challenge. A uniform solution on European level has not been defined. The ERTMS Programme Management, together with transporters investigated three options for a tool supporting shunting. They chose a fixed signal solution.
Fixed signal
Shunting under ERTMS can be done with a fixed signal at a Stop Marker Board (SMB). This fixed signal indicates whether a shunting route has been set beyond the SMB.
Alternative options
Apart from the fixed signal, two mobile options have been investigated: a mobile signal and a mobile app.
Mobile signal
The prototype of a mobile signal is a small box, attached to the housing of the radio control unit. As such, the shunting driver always has the mobile signal available. The driver can use a screen on the box to see the planned route and release of the shunting movement up to the next SMB.
Mobile app
An application on a telephone or tablet is a fully digital solution. The train driver will read the information from the screen. The difference with a mobile signal is that the phone/tablet application has an interface with more options.