Rail transit services

Rail transit services

When operating a rail transit system, transit agencies rely on secure and well-equipped Operations Control Centers (OCC). Todays transportation control centers are architectural showpieces complete with ergonomic workstation furniture, status overview displays, situation rooms, access control systems, and sophisticated environmental air handling and lighting controls. These facilities combine to promote a secure, efcient, modern, and safe workspace for dispatchers, passenger information specialists, service and maintenance supervisors, and others that interact daily with passenger rail management systems. Is your existing OCC fully meeting your operating needs? Macro is often asked about the state of the art in OCC capabilities. Client questions we repeatedly address during our assignments include: > Are our OCC staff levels appropriate for todays operation? > Are there additional users with related expertise who belong in the OCC? > Should we revise our OCC business processes to better respond to todays demands? > Knowledgeable passengers expect more timely information about our service; how should we upgrade our customer information systems? > Would new technology make our operation safer and more efcient? > Are we conforming to best industry practices? > Do we need a backup control center to support operations during emergencies? > Should we renovate our existing OCC or should it be replaced? > Would a multi-modal center, possibly including security, staff be considered? > Should our new OCC be staffed and equipped to cooperate with regional emergency management centers? > Can you help us select a new OCC site? Macro works directly with end-users, as well as the industrys leading architecture and engineering design rms, to answer these questions. In doing so, we conduct operational, physical, and ergonomic analyses leading to the optimal design of new control systems, workstations and display systems. Macro has the operational knowledge and the planning, engineering, and project management experience to design and oversee the construction and commissioning of these control centers and the systems that meet our clients near- and longer-term needs.

Macro offers a complete range of services - from concept through Implementation

> > > > > > > > > > > Procurement > > > > > > > > > Feasibility studies Operational plans Business process reengineering OCC site selection Cost benet analyses Implementation approach Requirements analysis Communications engineering Systems conguration Integration with enterprise systems Facilities design Specication preparation Database denition Display prototyping Pre-award services Migration planning Design reviews Technical support during construction Factory and eld testing Commissioning support

Implementation

Design

Planning

Macros services cover all of the disciplines associated with designing and operating a transportation Operations Control Center, including the following: Operations studies and stafng plans - Macro conducts a needs assessment to dene evolving OCC operational requirements. This conceptual plan covers new control center systems such as train control, SCADA, surveillance, customer information, enterprise network applications and other support system functions. Macro prepares a Stafng Matrix that summarizes the activities to be conducted by each operator or train dispatcher with consideration given to both functional responsibilities and to territorial assignments. This matrix presents each labor category active in the control center, quanties the number of representatives in each category, identies changes in stafng that occur during the various shifts and predicts growth in personnel as the center expands. Business process reengineering - Macro conducts an extensive review of the critical operations control center processes and identies revisions needed for process improvement. Typical improvements include new OCC staff, technology improvements and acceptance of industry best practices. Operations Control Center services - Macro provides an impartial evaluation of candidate sites for the OCC, as well as for the backup control center. Macro has developed a rigorous site selection methodology that culminates in an unbiased appraisal of the candidate sites based on agreed-upon criteria. Once the site is selected, we work with you to fully identify the current and future needs of the staff, systems and facilities needed to support operations over the life of the control center. We follow ergonomic considerations to develop a theater design that will allow users to readily interact while viewing all critical information needed to conduct their duties. Macro provides this conceptual design for use by our clients architect in completing the facility design, thereby assuring its clients that the resulting OCC will satisfy all operational and technical requirements. Macros conceptual design provides oor plan and elevation drawings of the operating theater as well as design parameters covering the following critical OCC needs: > Situation/training rooms > Power/HVAC load analysis > Site and building security > OCC lighting and acoustics > Emergency and backup power systems > Projection display and console design specications > Graphical renderings

Over the course of more than four decades of consulting activities, Macro has developed a consulting methodology that achieves project objectives in a timely and cost-effective fashion. This methodology, well proven in practice, encompasses a comprehensive, yet exible, set of activities.

Design of new OCC systems - Macro has expertise in the design of all of the systems associated with the management of transportation systems, including systems supporting the following functions: > Train tracking and identication > Manual and automatic routing > Maintenance of train schedules and headways > Movement authorities > Reports summarizing performance, incidents and maintenance actions > Traction power SCADA > Station and/or tunnel SCADA for fans, pumps, ood gates > Passenger information > Supporting communications and infrastructures Communications systems - Macros communications systems engineering expertise covers both wireless and land-lined telecommunications to support state-of-the-art control center systems. We specialize in the planning and engineering of land mobile radio systems, microwave backhaul, control center communications to eld devices and other voice and data systems. Integration with enterprise systems - Macro investigates all legacy systems and their functionality to determine which operational systems should be integrated to improve operational coordination. A detailed requirements analysis denes these interfaces in the procurement specication for a new system.
Train Delay Reports Traction Power SCADA System Train Line-up Data

Incident Reports

Train Control Systems

Customer Information

Train Schedules Crew Dispatching

Integrated Communications Switch

Support System Integration

Migration planning services - Macro examines the implications to the agency for cut-over to the new system(s) and prepares a detailed approach that meets the operational requirements for continued services during the transition. The plan includes a systematic phase-in of the new system and fallback procedures with the criteria dened for such actions. Post-operational support services - After the system is in service, nal acceptance is completed, and the system has been operational for a period of time, Macro will schedule an operational review. Macro will observe the operations personnel prociency, system effectiveness, degree of accomplishment of goals, and system reliability and maintainability. Macro will prepare recommendations aimed at achieving optimal use of the new OCC.

Management approach
The Macro approach concentrates on rst identifying the system requirements, present and future, before developing corresponding solutions. An emphasis on individual client requirements is critical as each clients needs differ. There are, however, many commonalities in the available solutions that Macro, as an experienced consultant, can identify and recommend. Our experience clearly demonstrates that adhering to a systematic requirements-before-solution method will achieve logical and cost-effective results. Planning and specication guide - A scheme that effectively organizes the sequence of tasks and keeps the project on schedule is essential. Recognizing the importance of this need, Macro has developed its Planning and Specication Guide. The Guide is a series of specic questions devised to uncover important information needed for the effective startup and execution of a project. The Guide consolidates Macros experience on previous projects for use on subsequent ones. It directs the project team through the initial key steps of determining the operational requirements and system performance objectives. The analysis of feasible alternatives then follows logically. The Guide ensures orderly, swift and thorough progress through the information gathering phase. Quality control - Over the years, Macro has developed a structured approach for controlling the quality of project work and the resulting deliverables. Our ability to deliver quality services stems chiey from the high level of expertise of our professional staff and from our internal technical audit procedures. These procedures require that all project deliverables receive a rigorous audit before we release them to the client. In addition to the internal Macro quality reviews, client personnel have an opportunity to review a preliminary release of each report and specication section, as well as a draft of the entire document, to ensure they meet all needs. Technology transfer - Equally important is the need to provide our clients with up-to-date knowledge and accumulated experience pertinent to their specic subject. By sharing and absorbing Macro experience through use of the Planning and Specication Guide, the project team will be better prepared to review the results presented and assess the solutions suggested by Macro.

Macros proven, systematic Question and Answer method ensures that all project participants clearly understand the motivation behind and the reasons for the specic recommendations that follow.

Macro recognizes that transferring information and experience is one of our responsibilities to our clients.

Project experience
Our experience in transit control center technology and operations, and the supporting communications networks for these systems, is extensive. The following pages present short project stories about some of Macros assignments.

San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)

San Diego Trolley Operations Control Center and CTC / SCADA System Macro completed a feasibility study and design of a new Operations Control Center (OCC) for SANDAGs light rail operating agency, San Diego Trolley, Inc., (SDTI). A primary goal of the study was to determine the facility space and equipment requirements for a new control center to support the SDTIs expanding rail operations. The new OCC was required to have modern train control and traction power SCADA systems supporting full train tracking capabilities over the entire operating territory. An area in SDTIs original maintenance facility was selected for the new Trolley OCC. Macro designed a refurbishment of the facility, and it now a modern, fully functional control center for SDTIs staff. Another goal on the project was to determine the future train control systems that SDTI would need when the Mission Valley East extension began revenue service. This extension resulted in a level of operational complexity that required a full complement of operating tools and communications systems. We performed a requirements analysis for light rail operations and presented its ndings and recommendations to the Board of Directors. These recommendations became the foundation for the new central control facility and operational support systems. In a subsequent project phase, Macro prepared the procurement specication and assisted with the selection of a contractor for an integrated Train Control/SCADA system, including new eld systems that support data retrieval and control of substations, signal boxes, and train-to-wayside controllers. Trolley Operations is also committed to a new passenger information system.

Amtrak Northeast Corridor

Centralized Electrication and Train Control (CETC) Systems and Control Centers The Northeast Corridor (NEC) from Washington to Boston serves more than 100 million passengers per year and is the most heavily used passenger train corridor in the United States. Amtrak engaged Macro to conduct a comprehensive study of both the systems and control center facilities that were currently in use, and recommend ways to improve operations, enhance security and reduce maintenance costs. Macros responsibilities included preparation of a comprehensive design specication for a new CETC system to replace the existing systems that were approaching the end of their useful lives. Macro assisted Amtrak with selecting a supplier for the new systems and is currently engaged in nal testing of the new CETC system. When completed, Amtraks Northeast Corridor service will realize the benets of a modern train and traction power control system with improved functionality, simplied maintenance and improved communications with neighboring railroads.

Metropolitan Atlanta Transportation Authority (MARTA)

Replacement Train Control System and Multi-modal Operations Control Center Macro is leading MARTAs replacement of their existing Train Control System (TCS) that monitors and controls Atlantas rapid transit system. Our responsibilities include the design of the central ofce equipment and the interfaces with eld equipment and other MARTA operational support systems. This project included extensive business process re-engineering of 20 of the most critical OCC processes. We diagrammed and reviewed process improvement revisions with MARTA management to arrive at a nal design for the processes. The project included a requirements denition phase and preparation of a technical specication for procurement of the TCS replacement system. MARTA also retained Macro to support the TCS procurement activities and provide technical support during the detailed design, implementation, testing, cutover, training and commissioning of the TCS. An additional consulting assignment involved design of new primary and backup OCC facilities for rail operations.

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

New Control Center and Integrated Support Systems Macro conducted a full range of services associated with replacing TTCs OCC and dispatch systems. We assisted with the design of a new transit control center to accommodate future expansion of the TTCs rail network and to modernize all control and communications systems associated with the existing 70-station transit system. Macro assisted TTC in procuring and installing centralized monitoring and control systems related to train control, traction power, re/life safety, security, communications, ventilation, and mechanical applications required to operate subway, surface and automated rail routes. The OCC provides operating space for 30 dispatchers in three major operational areas: transit, power and dispatching. This is one of the most comprehensive transportation control centers in North America, utilizing 52 status boards displaying real-time status of the rail and traction systems.

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)

Railroad Division Control Center Macro was responsible for the design of SEPTAs Railroad Division Control Center (RRDCC), a new centralized trafc control (CTC) system and a traction power SCADA system to manage train operations on SEPTA commuter rail network serving metropolitan Philadelphia. Macro designed the RRDCC theater layout to accommodate a large, diverse CTC and Power SCADA operating staff. The control room theater has two rear-projection status boards using 26 individual screens. The status boards present train operation and the status of the traction power network. Macro completed three sets of procurement specications one for the RRDCC facility; one for the CTC, associated eld systems, and extensions to SEPTAs ber optic communication system; and one for the SCADA system. Macro assisted SEPTA with the evaluation of bid responses, the awarding of contracts, the design review period, and factory and eld-testing.

NJ TRANSIT
Train Control and Management/SCADA System NJ TRANSIT engaged Macro for the design, technical specication development, and bid evaluation and construction management for a new Train Management and Control system (TMAC). NJ TRANSIT installed the new control system in a new 42,000 square foot control center complex, the Rail Operations Center (ROC), also designed by Macro. Dispatchers and controllers are presented with full-graphic displays of each districts territory. Display and control of substations are provided for traction power dispatchers in a separate area of the ROC. Interfaces with neighboring rail agencies permit identication of trafc entering and leaving NJ TRANSITs territory. Project display status boards present overviews of train and traction power status. An interface with NJ TRANSITs corporate network enables the exchange of crew data, schedules and other information affecting train operations. Macro assisted NJ TRANSITs architectural design rm to establish the design criteria, oor layout and personnel assignments for the new 42,000 square foot ROC. Macro assisted in the site selection process and prepared the 30 percent design specications for the control theater, which allowed NJ TRANSIT to undertake this project on a design-build basis.

Macro project summary

The following table presents many of Macros clients and the specic project responsibilities completed on each assignment.

Macro Corporation
Rail transit experience Integrated communications Business process reviews

Complete facility design

Field telemetry systems

OCC conceptual design

Passenger information

Concept of operations

Amtrak SEPTA San Diego Trolley LA Metro Red LA Metro Blue LA Metro Green MARTA MBTA

San Francisco Muni WMATA NJ Transit Buffalo LRT Dallas LRT Toronto Transit

Implementation plans

Train control system

Systems integration

Projection displays

OCC stafng plans

SCADA system

Macros staff offers extensive engineering experience gained from more than 400 successful consulting assignments. The following is a list of Macros rail clients: > > > > > > > Amtrak CTA DART LACMTA LIRR MARTA Maryland MTA MBTA Metra Metro-North MUNI Niagara Frontier NJ TRANSIT NYCT Port Authority NY/NJ PATH San Diego MTS SEPTA TTC WMATA

Macro Corporation overview

Macro Corporation, a widely recognized provider of independent consulting services for more than 40 years, brings unmatched experience in transit control center systems and facilities design. Founded in 1968, the rm is headquartered in Chalfont, Pennsylvania, with branch ofces in Boston and Oakland, CA. Macros long list of satised clients among transit, utility and public safety companies is a testament to the quality of its services. Macro staffs projects with highly experienced consultants who are recognized experts in control center systems, communications infrastructure and facility design. Specialists are available to assist throughout the system-engineering processes to analyze the clients needs and to formulate concrete recommendations for the design and implementation of the desired facilities and systems. Since its founding, Macro has continued to enhance its services to meet the dynamic needs of a growing list of clients by remaining ahead of advancing technology. This success has contributed greatly to Macros continued ability to attract and retain senior technical engineering staff. By consistently employing structured system engineering processes, modern project management techniques and real-world, hands-on experience, Macro can deliver the value-added knowledge resource clients seek. > > > > > > > > > > > >

Macro Corporation 4377 County Line Road Chalfont, PA 18914, USA T +1 215 997 5100 info@macro.com www.macro.com

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