SCMT is an innovative train control system compatible with the new European
Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS/ETCS) designed to ensure interoperability
on the European rail network.
In Italy, lines in the main rail regions have been equipped with SCMT since
2003.This includes 3,489 km of new lines and 1,206 km of reconfigured and
retrofitted lines, making a total of 4,695 km as of December 2007.
In the next few years, 250 km of line are set to be equipped and/or
reconfigured.
SCMT protects the train’s operation, including:
- the conditions dictated by the signals
- the speed permitted by the line in normal and adverse conditions
- the maximum speed permitted by the rolling stock
- the activation of the emergency brakes if control limits are exceeded.
The SCMT project fulfils the strategic objectives of increasing security and
complying with the legal requirements of the priority investment plan.
The system comprises a ground sub-system and an on-board sub-system, which
are closely integrated.
The project involves:
- equipping all the major network lines with the SCMT ground sub-system
- equipping trains that run on the network with integrated on-board
sub-systems, which interact with the ground sub-system on the lines
- undertaking any work necessary to adapt the current installed technology to
ensure compatibility with continuous repetition of on-board signals on the most
important connections
By means of transponders known as balises installed along the railway lines,
which are activated when a train passes, the ground sub-system sends
information to the on-board sub-system. This processes the data from the train
specifications input at the beginning of the route, and then determines the
speed curves and limits that will ensure automatic train protection.
