Thursday, August 07, 2025
Meeting Time: 7:00 pm
Online event (via Zoom): Please register on meetup.com to obtain the Zoom link.
Lecture
As cities grow at unprecedented rates and the need for efficient mass transit becoming increasingly critical, rail infrastructures across the globe are turning to Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) to enhance efficiency, safety, and automation.
This presentation provides an in-depth and accessible introduction to CBTC systems, examining their workings, significance, and central role as the cornerstone of future transit solutions.
Topics include:
Part I: Fundamentals and History
- Overview of traditional fixed block signaling and its drawbacks.
- Evolution of CBTC in the 1980s and shift to radio-based control.
- Explanation of IEEE 1474 standards and why CBTC is not proprietary in itself.
Part II: Architecture and Operation
- Key CBTC subsystems: ATP, ATO, and ATS
- Structure of CBTC: onboard, wayside, control center, and wireless communication
- Moving block vs. fixed block operations and train separation logic
Part III: Deployment and Integration
- Real-world examples: NYC Subway, Beijing Metro, Paris Métro, and London Underground
- Grades of Automation (GoA 1–4) and their relationship to CBTC.
- Integration with existing systems and common fallback mechanisms.
- Overview of cybersecurity concerns and regulatory safeguards
Part IV: CBTC Design Considerations
- High-level review of CBTC network design (from Cisco’s Rail CBTC and Safety Design Guide).
- Introduction to CBTC network design principles
- Focus on redundancy, failover strategies, and secure communication practice
- General examples of device roles and network layouts
- Integration with object detection and axle counting systems
- Discussion of operational risks and environmental challenges
Part V: Future Trends and Innovation
- Diversification into AI/ML-based predictive maintenance and traffic optimization.
- Autonomous trains and the rise of GoA-4 driverless metros.
- Interoperability challenges and the push for global standardization.
- Cost-benefit analysis for agencies considering CBTC upgrades.
Speaker Bio:
Alexander Impastato holds advanced degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a solid background in signal systems, automation, and system integration. He utilizes this experience in the Transportation Industry where he designs subway projects using multidisciplinary teams.
His field of expertise involves circuit detailing, PLC programming, and simulation and pre/post operational testing of electrical systems with attention to safety and reliability. With research and field experience in Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) under his belt, Alexander is dedicated to the development of transport technology. His mission is to introduce signaling principles to the public.
Notes
There is no cost to attend this meeting, however, if you are a NYS Professional Engineer and would like to receive Professional Development Hours (PDHs) of continuing education credit, then payment of a $15 fee is required. You will also have to properly fill out an Evaluation Form to prove that you attended this lecture. Click here to open the form. Simply fill it out and click on the “Submit” button. PDHs will be granted based upon actual time of lecture including Q&A. You must arrive on time and stay to the end to receive credit.
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If paying by Zelle is a problem for you, then please contact Ed Gellender at edgellender@gmail.com for an alternate payment method.
