APPLIES TO THE FOLLOWING ROUTES:
MELBOURNE METRO
SOMERTON LOOP TO ALBURY
V/Line VLocity passenger train operations - Track Circuit Assistors (TCAs)
V/Line will commence operation of VLocity passenger trains on the ARTC Network from Wednesday 29/12/2021.
VLocity trains are fitted with Track Circuit Assistor’s (TCAs), to assists the operation of a track circuit by raising the effective track circuit rail-to-rail voltage at the wheelsets either side of the TCA. The following procedure is to be followed where VLocity passenger trains operate on the ARTC Network.
PRODECURE:
Introduction
V/Line VLocity cars operate on the ARTC Network between Southern Cross and Albury. The rail traffic configuration can be either a three (3) car or six (6) car set. Each set includes two Track Circuit Assister’s (TCAs), one on the leading vehicle and one on the trailing vehicle. When a VLocity is operating as a six car set, there are four (4) functional TCAs.
Departure from Southern Cross
A VLocity must only depart from Southern Cross and enter the ARTC Network with all TCAs operational.
Departure from Albury or in Transit
One TCA Operating
A VLocity may travel on the ARTC Network with a minimum of one operational TCA.
V/Line Rail Traffic Crew.
If one or more TCAs is not operational or failed, and only one TCA is operational on the VLocity prior to departure from Albury or whilst in transit, the V/Line Rail Traffic Crew must monitor the TCA to ensure it remains operational for the journey.
TCA not operational or failed
If the TCA is not operational or fails and there are no operational TCAs on the VLocity, the V/Line Rail Traffic Crew must:
- STOP the train immediately,
- initiate an Emergency call to the ARTC Network Controller,
- advise that the train has STOPPED due to all TCAs being non-operational or failed, and
- advise of current location.
Note: V/Line must repair the defective TCAs prior to next transit on the ARTC Network.
All TCAs not Operational:
Prior to Departure from Southern Cross or Albury
The VLocity is prohibited from entering the ARTC Network with all TCAs not operational or failed.
After Departure from Southern Cross or Albury (in transit)
V/Line Rail Traffic Crew
When the V/Line Rail Traffic Crew becomes aware that all TCAs are not operational or fail on a VLocity whilst in transit on the ARTC Network, the V/Line Rail. Traffic Crew must:
- STOP the train immediately,
- initiate an Emergency call to the ARTC Network Controller,
- advise that the train has STOPPED due to all TCAs being non-operational or failed, and
- advise of current location.
Network Controller
When advised by the V/Line Rail Traffic Crew that all TCAs are not operational or failed on a VLocity and the train has been STOPPED, the Network Controller must:
- where following rail traffic movements have entered the same track section/block, immediately initiate an Emergency call to the following Rail Traffic Crews to STOP their rail traffic and advise of the circumstances,
- place controlled signals at STOP with blocking commands/facilities applied to protect the VLocity and to prevent other rail traffic movements entering the same track section / block,
- remove all previous stored routes from the Phoenix workstation where the VLocity is to operate,
- advise the Train Transit Manager (TTM), and
- compile a Train Control Report (TCR).
When the Network Controller has ensured:
- following rail traffic movements have STOPPED,
- controlled signals are at STOP with blocking commands/facilities applied, and
- previous stored routes have been removed from the Phoenix workstation,
the Network Controller may authorise the VLocity to proceed under the following conditions.
The Network Controller must:
- issue a CAN warning to the VLocity Rail Traffic Crew for all active level crossings to be traversed,
- tell the VLocity Rail Traffic Crew that signals will be cleared for the VLocity to proceed,
- tell the Rail Traffic Crew to report when their train has passed clear and complete beyond nominated signals,
- authorise the VLocity to proceed under signal indications to the closest safe location, and
- restore signals to STOP and apply blocking commands/facilities when the VLocity V/Line Rail Traffic Crew reports when their train has passed clear and complete beyond nominated signals.
Note: The Network Controller must not remove blocking commands/facilities and clear signals for other rail traffic movements until an assurance is received from the VLocity Rail Traffic Crew that the train is clear and complete of the track section.
V/Line Rail Traffic Crew:
Prior to the VLocity proceeding, the Rail Traffic Crew must:
- have a clear understanding of the authority to proceed under signal indication and the location to which the rail traffic is to proceed,
- as required, obtain a CAN warning for all active level crossings, and
- tell the Network Controller when their rail traffic has passed clear and complete beyond nominated signals.
Note: Where signals are defective, the appropriate authority is to be provided to pass the defective signal at STOP.
Note: Where rail traffic is operating with all TCAs not operational or failed, the rail traffic may travel up to normal track speed.
Authorised by: Operations Interface SA/Vic, Interstate Network NCCW.
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