Dealing with the failure of a train

When a train fails, the problem is more one for the Zurich dispatching center than for the Altstetten control center, because of the main problem is making decisions related to the coordination of train movements over a larger area.

Once it becomes clear that a train has broken down and for the moment cannot continue its trip, the first task in the Altstetten control center is to stop approaching trains before they progress to a point where they cannot easily be rerouted around the immobilized train.

The closer a train is to an obstacle, generally, the more time-consuming the reroute, for example because the train must back up to get onto another track or onto another itinerary between stations.

Setting a signal to red in front of an oncoming train

An operator at the Altstetten control center can change a signal to red for an approaching train - if necessary just before the train reaches the signal - to prevent it from entering a section from which it could not easily move to a new track and avoid a disabled train or other obstacle.

If the driver doesn't see the red signal, the automatic train stop system will nevertheless stop the train. The operator can also call the driver by radio, but setting the signal to red is usually much faster.