The important decisions

The important dispatching decisions include, in order of increasing divergence from normal operations: the order in which trains pass over the line, how long to wait for connections, rerouting, dispatch of rescue locomotives, and train cancellation or premature termination.

The important dispatching decisions in the course of normal operations - with some tardy trains - are:

• the order in which trains pass over the line, and

• how long trains wait for connections.

More serious disruptions, such as broken-down trains or unplanned closure of track sections, may require:

• the rerouting of trains via other tracks or even via other stations,

• dispatch of rescue locomotives,

• train cancellation or termination of passenger trains before their scheduled destinations, or
  
  
• organization of substitute bus service.