Abstract :
This paper presents a general overview of the guideway communication systems for an automated guideway transit system. The basic functions and requirements of the communication systems are discussed. A variety of transmission media will be discussed. These media consist of third rail, inductive wires, leaky coaxial cables, leaky waveguide, surface waveguide, and radio transmission. The basic characteristics of each transmission medium will be presented. The possible applications of each transmission such as data communications, audio, and video communications will be discussed as well as their limitations. Finally the general design considerations are to be discussed.