Tangara train management system-concept, design and experience

Tangara, an aboriginal word meaning `to go´, is the name chosen for Sydney´s new mainline double deck commuter train. During the conceptual design stage it was realised that to reduce operational delays caused by train faults and decrease maintenance/repair time an intelligent means of fault handling and recording was required. This need gave rise to the Tangara train management system (TMS) which although being similar in concept to other systems being installed on modern locomotives and rolling-stock, is unique and specific in design to Tangara. Three basic functions are performed by the train management system: equipment monitoring; fault annunciation; and remote control. Each function, in turn, is examined by the authors