Comparison of Voice and Data Link Communication in a Railroad Environment

摘要

Burlington Northern's Advanced Railroad Electronic System (ARES) uses a digital data link to connect trains and track vehicles with the railroad's control center. Use of the data link will dramatically change the way train crews and track forces communicate with both the control center and the railroad's management information systems. Data link communications were compared with radiotelephone communications in order to evaluate the effects of the AREA data link on train crews and tracks forces. Field observations of radiotelephone communications were the basis for constructing separate communications scenarios for a train and a track inspector's vehicle. The scenarios in turn were the basis for constructing sets of data link transactions which could be simulated on ARES equipment. The voice and data link communications for each of two hypothetical trips were then compared. Data link communication was found to require fewer messages and less them, while reducing error, imprecision, and delay. Data link communication also was found to reduce the amount of communication not directly related to movement control, the amount of initiation of communication required of the train crew, and the need for auxiliary media and secondary communication partners.