ACTIVE TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEM

SIL-certified train protection — enforcing movement authority, preventing collisions, and safeguarding operations in real time.

How the System Works

Safety Without Legacy Complexity

In safety-critical rail environments, the consequences of failure are operational, financial, and reputational. ART’s Active Train Control System is built on the same principles as modern PTC and ETCS Level 2 architectures — delivering equivalent safety outcomes without the complexity and rigidity of legacy OEM platforms.

Hybrid Operation, Zero Disruption

The system operates seamlessly across dark territory and signalled networks, supporting equipped and non-equipped locomotives simultaneously. This hybrid capability enables a progressive migration from existing infrastructure toward a fully communications-based architecture — at each operator’s own pace, without disrupting live operations.

Real-Time Protection Where It Matters Most

The system operates seamlessly across dark territory and signalled networks, supporting equipped and non-equipped locomotives simultaneously. This hybrid capability enables a progressive migration from existing infrastructure toward a fully communications-based architecture — at each operator’s own pace, without disrupting live operations.

What It Does

Core Capabilities

Real-time movement
authority enforcement

Continuous speed supervision and automatic braking intervention

Collision risk prevention across equipped and non-equipped consists

Hybrid operation in dark territory and CTC signalled networks

Electronic train order management with full audit trail

Maintenance of way personnel protection (mobile solution)

Centralized network control display with full operational visibility

Configurable alarm system with role-based access control

Engineered for mission-critical environments — where a single uncontrolled movement has consequences that cannot be undone.

System Architecture

A modular architecture uniting control, onboard systems, and safety components into a scalable, resilient rail operation.

Safe Train Control (STC)

operator-facing control center platform for   train tracking, movement authority, and network supervision.

VISK (Virtual Interlocking Safety Kernel)

the certified safety kernel at the core of the system. A SIL 2 ready generic product already proven in real operations.

Active Train Protection

onboard system for in-cab authority display,   speed enforcement, and event recording. Available in Basic Integrity   and SIL 4 ready configurations — allowing progressive certification without rip-and-replace.

Dispatching Information System (DIS)

real-time dispatch operational interface.

Active Back Office Router (ABR)

multi-channel communication management.

Active Mobile Solution (AMS)

track worker and maintenance vehicle protection.

Modular, scalable, and engineered for operational continuity — from a single corridor to a national freight network.

Operational Outcomes

Collision prevention and elimination of head-on conflicts

Full train movement visibility across control centres

Improved Network Controller throughput — 30 to 40 trains managed simultaneously

Reduced time to issue movement authorities

Real-time enforcement of speed restrictions and work zone protections

Documented audit trail for all train orders and authority exchanges

Modular, scalable, and engineered for operational continuity — from a single corridor to a national freight network.

How We Deploy

Deployment & Integration

  • Overlay on existing infrastructure — no mandatory signal replacement in Phase 1
  • Brownfield compatibility — operates with non-equipped locomotives during transition
  • Corridor-based rollout — phased implementation preserving initial investment
  • Seamless evolution path toward communications-based Phase 2 architecture
  • Integrates with Movement Planner, Yard Management System, and third-party operational platforms via standard interfaces

Modern protection without operational disruption — and a clear upgrade path that protects every investment made.

Why ART

Global OEMs deliver standardized platforms. 
ART delivers operational alignment — a system built around real railway workflows, real communication environments, and real-world deployment constraints.

ART’s Active Train Control System is not a proof of concept. 
It is a proven operational foundation, deployed across multiple continents in mission-critical freight operations.