Control, Command and Signalling

Introduction

In the rail industry the term ‘control, command and signalling’ (CCS), refers to the on-board and trackside structures and equipment designed to ensure the safe operation and movement of trains, directing rail traffic, and keeping trains clear of each other. It includes some 40,000 lineside signals, but also a whole range of technology designed to control and manage the way train movements are managed.

This area of discipline can be further categorised to include:
radio communication – equipment and performance issues for radio communication within the railway such as between train operators on the ground and crews on board

train protection systems – components of these systems such as on-track signal transmitters, their spacing on sections of track relative to the normally permissible speeds at that location, and their communication with train braking systems; this includes but is not limited to the specific protection system train protection and warning system

electromagnetic compatibility – issues related to dealing with electro-magnetic interference in signalling depending on the location, source and type of interference and the parts of the railway involved.

Signalling and communications technology has evolved considerably in its 200-year history. Even today there are examples of semaphore and mechanically operated signalling, right up to in-cab controls like ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System).
How our experts work with industry

We have a team of experts with considerable experience in all aspects of control, command and signalling, and who have worked first-hand on the challenges that industry faces. They lend their expertise to the creation and review of relevant standards.

RSSB provides cross-industry governance for industry decisions and activities in many areas of rail improvement. Rail industry standards relating to CCS are managed by the Control Command and Signalling Standards Committee. Specifically, the committee in conjunction with RSSB, oversees the development and maintenance of standards, guidance notes and other documents which train operators, infrastructure managers, and train manufacturers use in developing, operating, monitoring and maintaining control, communications and signalling systems on the railway. It also oversees standards, guidance notes and other documents about the interfaces between CCS and other railway systems, such as rolling stock, plant, infrastructure, operations.