Rail traffic management systems (TMS)

Rail Traffic Management Systems (TMS) are systems designed to support managing the inherent complexity of rail services and rail networks by providing an integrated and holistic view of operational performance, enabling rail operational staff to better balance the sometimes competing demands of aspects such as track access and train crew resources when taking decisions. Rail Traffic Management Systems support railway operations processes and procedures, and are systems based on the concept of a single, integrated and consistent set of operational data, enabling high levels of rail operations efficiency. This paper will introduce the concept, context and objectives of Traffic Management, present a case study - Railway Operation Management in Austria - and discuss the implementation of Rail Traffic Management for GB Rail.