Systems integration - the key to successful implementation of advanced technology train control systems

Advanced technology train control systems represent a cost-effective means of improving the level of service offered to transit passengers in terms of safety, dependability and comfort while providing increased capacity and reduced travel times on an existing transportation infrastructure. A number of rail transit agencies around the world have implemented, or are in the process of implementing, such systems and while a number of these projects have been very successful, others have been less than successful with significant schedule and budget overruns. This paper explores some lessons learned from these projects and provides an insight into why some advanced technology projects succeed while others fail. Experience suggests, for example, that the specific technology itself is rarely the significant factor in determining project success. More important factors are the methods used to specify, procure, design, project manage; accept and plan for the operation and maintenance of the new systems, and other institution, issues associated with the transition to new technology. This paper therefore also describes and discusses the importance to project success of systems integration techniques to manage the institutional, operational,technical, physical, schedule and contractual interfaces.