CBTC from the start: 28 years of SkyTrain in Vancouver 12th March 2014 Conference The Hatton London, UK CBTC from the start: 28 years of SkyTrain in Vancouver Ian R Graham Manager (retiring) Operations Planning Expo/Millennium Lines BC Rapid Transit Company, Burnaby, Canada

CBTC: More than a signalling system 12th March 2014 Conference The Hatton London, UK CBTC: More than a signalling system Ian R Graham Manager (retiring) Operations Planning Expo/Millennium Lines BC Rapid Transit Company, Burnaby, Canada

Vancouver in context >3 decades of history and development since 1980 – a different starting point now. Green field – a clean start. No regional interoperability issues. Proprietary technology, but generally applicable experience.

Vancouver, Canada Canada’s 3rd largest city metro area 2.5 million in 2013 3 million by 2027? was 1.5 million in 1980 (SkyTrain decision)

Technology Urban Transportation Development Corporation (UTDC), now part of Bombardier small lightweight cars steerable trucks linear induction motors (LIM) SelTrac S40 inductive loop ATC system (Thales) full operational dependence on primary system – no axle counters or other “backup” systems. ongoing evolution of functionality around the original system principles

Expo/Millennium Lines 1986: 21 km / 15 stns / 114 cars / 20M pass/year now: 49 km / 33 stns / 258 cars / 80M pass/year 2016: plus 11 km / 6 stns / 28 cars future: discussions of extensions; $$$?

Canada Line: same but different opened in 2009 separate line (non-interoperable), but integral part of the transit system P3 project with 30 year concession 19 km / 16 stns / 40 cars (larger) / 40M pass/year Rotem cars, with AC rotary motors Seltrac ATC, similar to Expo/Millennium generally similar operational approach

SkyTrain, Vancouver BC Canada 5 km 5 mi SkyTrain, Vancouver BC Canada Millennium Line (2002) Evergreen Line (2016) Broadway-UBC (future) Expo Line (1986-1994) Canada Line (2009 - separate P3 operation) Surrey extension (future) January 16, 2007 10

The commitment to automate Automation experience in the 1970’s High dependence on signalling in “manual” systems An attendant to watch a machine drive itself? Eliminating the cab – no turning back

Unattended Train Operation (UTO) SkyTrain is: not only automated not only driverless it operates trains primarily in unattended mode Unchaining the driver from the cab makes a fundamental customer service difference. The SkyTrain system is not unstaffed; not about eliminating staff or unions

Operating staff levels BCRTC total 600 staff for O&M Operations staff on duty (per shift) for: 33 stations, 49 km, 22-57 trains Field: 38 SkyTrain Attendants (STAs) 4 Field Supervisors 1 Duty Manager Control: 7 Control Operators (ATC, power, alarms, communications)

Original issues and concerns No driver to view the track ahead full track segregation intrusion detection system (no platform screen doors) No on-board personnel passenger security features (intercom, alarm, PA) door safety (positive interlocking; “pushback” feature) system reliability and redundancy Unattended stations design, CCTV, communications; passenger self-service => organizational confidence / public acceptance

CBTC/UTO achievements (1) SkyTrain, Vancouver BC Canada CBTC/UTO achievements (1) throughput 108 sec. sustained AM/PM 3-hour peaks 96 sec. average, inner 6 stations, 2-hour AM peak 95 sec. target future headway 80 sec. “recovery” headway at terminus => 75 sec. potential increased service frequency same operating cost with shorter trains at higher frequency =>less waiting time for passenger travel time (average in-service speed) optimized and consistent speed control =>shorter travel time headway consistency all “drivers” are the same => variation and bunching are reduced January 16, 2007 15

CBTC/UTO achievements (2) SkyTrain, Vancouver BC Canada CBTC/UTO achievements (2) delay recovery no recovery (rest) time required for drivers at end stations; insertion of spare trains in front of delayed train schedule adjustments additions or reductions based on demand special events additional trains without extra drivers (some extra staff may still be needed to manage crowds and supplement fare collection) alternative service (planned / unplanned) preplanned for maintenance, or unplanned for emergencies January 16, 2007

CBTC/UTO achievements (3) SkyTrain, Vancouver BC Canada CBTC/UTO achievements (3) safety automated train control minimizes routine human error, although giving up opportunity for human discretion fleet productivity higher average speed and reduced end-station turnaround means fewer vehicles, and smaller yard, to serve the same ridership yard flexibility and productivity automation of storage lanes and some maintenance tracks allow trains to be launched, returned, and inspected, with minimal driving January 16, 2007 17

CBTC/UTO achievements (4) SkyTrain, Vancouver BC Canada CBTC/UTO achievements (4) fault response SkyTrain Attendants (STAs) can deal with many train faults while the train is still in service, minimizing delay or disruption passenger emergency STAs can respond to passenger emergencies customer assistance STAs available to assist customers with directions, information, fare payment, etc. January 16, 2007 18

Ongoing and future challenges Proprietary technology Technology obsolescence and upgrades Maintenance and upgrades of aging system Growth – getting better to stay the same “More than a signalling system” -- CBTC is not a “get and forget” system

Conclusions A rapid transit system is always a “work in progress”. CBTC, and the related commitment to UTO, has provided Vancouver with a successful, well-used, efficient rapid transit system, and provided a relevant reference point to other cities around the world.

SkyTrain, Vancouver BC Canada January 16, 2007 21

SkyTrain, Vancouver BC Canada January 16, 2007 22