Karlsruhe’s Tram-Train Network Upgrades with Advanced Control System and Galileo
Karlsruhe’s public transport system is set to receive a major upgrade through a new partnership between INIT and two public transport companies Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe (VBK) and Albtal- Verkehrsgesellschaft (AVG). The two public transport companies will supplement existing solutions supplied by INIT with a new operations control system. This upgrade will improve the management of tram-trains, which operate on both city tram lines and regional train tracks. The project will be fully implemented by 2025, with the latest version of INIT’s on-board computer, COPILOTpc, controlling communication across all vehicles.
Karlsruhe’s tram-trains are known for their ability to run seamlessly from the city center to surrounding areas, using both tram tracks and regional railway lines. The new system will allow smooth coordination between two different control systems: one for city trams and another for regional trains. The COPILOTpc on-board computer will support both systems, making it easier for drivers and operations staff to manage the transition between urban and regional routes. Passengers will see improvements in the passenger information system. The upgraded system will announce all transfer options, including connections to other transport services, on loudspeakers and displays.
A key feature of the upgrade is advanced vehicle tracking using Galileo, the European satellite navigation system. Galileo will work alongside other Global Navigation Satellite Systems to provide highly accurate real-time location data for the tram-trains, even in complex environments. This ensures reliable tracking and smoother operations across all routes.
This upgrade is part of a larger effort to modernize Karlsruhe’s public transport network. It will simplify communication between AVG and rail infrastructure companies like Deutsche Bahn and help meet EU standards for data exchange. By integrating Galileo technology and advanced control systems, Karlsruhe’s transport network will become more efficient and reliable.
Source:
