Executive SummaryIntroduction IntroductionThe rail vehicle, or vehicles, to be selected by the City of Ottawa to operate on the future rapid transit network will have a major impact on the look and feel of the system, the design of the stations and track, and the capacity and operations of the system. The purpose of the technology review is to look at the major characteristics of available rail vehicle-types and systems to allow for discussion on the implications of each choice and the interactions between characteristics. This work will serve as a starting point in informing both the evaluation and ultimate selection of a preferred technology or technologies for use on Ottawa’s future rail rapid transit network. The intent of the technology review is not to recommend a specific manufacturer or vehicle but to develop a framework that will assist in future planning and procurement. The potential combinations of characteristics and combinations of corridors and services need to be considered in selecting the best solution for Ottawa. To that end, a number of specific characteristics have been reviewed and the major issues related to each characteristic have been summarized in the report. The review includes:
• Degree of Corridor Segregation • Single versus Multiple Vehicle-type Fleets • Power Collection Systems • Signal Systems • Driver-operated versus Automated Vehicles • High-Floor versus Low-Floor Vehicles • Climate Considerations • Regulatory Framework The technology options discussed are reviewed within the context of the City’s future rail rapid transit network. It is important to note that the different characteristics interact to varying degrees, and that a decision in one area may preclude choices in other areas, while other characteristics influence other technology choices without necessarily precluding them. Degree of Corridor SegregationDegree of corridor segregation refers to the amount of interaction permitted between rail vehicles and other travel modes including road vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. This can range from fully segregated rights-of-way (meaning no interaction with other modes) to mixed traffic operation (meaning that the rail vehicles operate on-street in traffic lanes shared with general traffic). The Transportation Master Plan identifies a rapid transit network that is likely to be comprised of a mixture of fully and partially segregated corridor segments. In addition to influencing the land required and the cost of construction, the degree to which the network is segregated from other traffic will affect public access and system integration into our communities. The design of the interface between the rail corridor and other travel modes in turn prompts discussion as to the aesthetics of the rapid transit network and how they integrate into their surroundings. Single versus Multiple Vehicle-type FleetThe future rapid transit network is made up of primary and supplementary corridors, which serve different but overlapping purposes, carry different volumes of passengers and will influence development in different ways. The different corridors could also have very different influences on their surroundings, which in turn suggest that different rail vehicles may also be required for each type of service. While there are advantages to having a single vehicle fleet, consideration must be given to the potential advantages of having more than one vehicle-type, tailored to the operating needs of each line or corridor. The cost of maintaining several different vehicle types and the issues related to inter-operability and compatibility will play a key role in determining whether or not multiple vehicle-types are warranted. Power Collection SystemsElectrically powered railways provide an excellent way to move large volumes of passengers. These systems have been in use for more than a century and would provide environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation for the citizens of Ottawa. There are a number of established and emerging power collection technologies to be considered, each with advantages and disadvantages with respect to cost, reliability, safety and aesthetics. The determination of a power collection system must be based upon the ability of the technology to operate in the Ottawa climate extremes. Third rail and overhead catenary are the two most mature systems and would provide a tested and reliable system, however, they each have different positive and negative attributes that need to be balanced against other system characteristics. Emerging technologies that attempt to provide the positive attributes of each of the more mature technologies may also be considered, but may present significant risk to reliable operations in Ottawa’s climate. Third rail is used primarily in heavy rail or metro applications and represents a mature method of power transfer to a vehicle where fully segregated corridors can be provided. Overhead catenary (suspended overhead cables) is the more common approach in North America and represents a mature method of power transfer to a vehicle while providing a high margin of safety for the passengers in partially or unsegregated corridors. Bi-mode vehicles, which can make use of multiple power collection systems (e.g. overhead catenary and battery power), are more expensive but are increasingly available, allowing greater flexibility in operations and the ability to address aesthetic concerns in areas of visual sensitivity. Signalling SystemsA variety of signalling and train control solutions are available for modern urban rail transit systems. These systems can be tailored to the specific operational requirements and the rail transit technology selected in order to provide for the safe and efficient movement of rail vehicles. Selection of an appropriate signalling system will depend primarily on the design of the rail system, desired vehicle speeds and headways, service frequency and any interaction with other travel modes along the line. For more sophisticated urban rail transit systems either a full or partial Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system becomes mandatory to provide acceptable levels of passenger safety. Driver Operated vs. Automated VehiclesThe use of driver operated or automated trains will have a substantial impact on the technology selected for Ottawa. The implications go beyond the choice of vehicle-type and include staffing issues, operational considerations, security, passenger access, corridor segregation and weather impacts. The use of automated vehicles, while providing benefits in terms of reduced operating costs and optimisation of the transit system, is not compatible with corridors where there is interaction with pedestrians and other road users (e.g. outside the Transitway). The decision made with respect to automation therefore interacts with the decisions made with respect to the degree of corridor segregation and single versus multiple vehicle-type fleets. Overall system safety, operational reliability (particularly during extreme weather events), and security also need to be included in this assessment. Low-Floor versus High-Floor VehiclesWhatever vehicle technology is pursued, Ottawa’s rail system will be fully accessible and offer level boarding at station platforms. Modern high-floor and low-floor vehicles of the same vehicle-type can have similar characteristics in terms of vehicle size (length, width, height), passenger capacity, and operational ability (maximum speed, grade, turn radius), varying only by the manufacturer and specific operator requirements. Both types can be operated as single vehicles or in multi-vehicle trains in order to tailor system capacity to demand. One of the major factors is how to access the vehicles in partially segregated corridors. The use of high- floor vehicles requires high-floor platforms, which then need ramps to connect to sidewalks and crosswalks. The decision will also be influenced by decisions made with respect to power collection systems, capital costs, conversion of existing Transitway Stations (e.g. ability of existing station infrastructure to accommodate higher platforms) and aesthetic impacts surrounding the degree of corridor segregation, which in turn may influence decisions with respect to single versus multiple vehicle-type fleets. Climate ConsiderationsThe technology and vehicle selected for use on Ottawa’s rail rapid transit network will have to be capable of operating in our harsh winter climate, as well as the heat and humidity of summer. Extremes of temperature significantly affect the operation of equipment, while storm events can damage infrastructure and affect system reliability. All aspects of vehicle and rail system design will have to accommodate worst-case tolerances and ensure that components and equipment have additional operating margins and capacity. The on-board equipment as well as the tracks, power collection and stations need to be robust enough to handle the heavy snowfalls, freezing rain and ice, and freeze-thaw cycles. The additional costs that may be incurred to achieve maximum reliability will need to be accommodated. Regulatory FrameworkThe regulatory framework for the system also needs to be considered. The current O-Train is operated as a federally-regulated railway, which requires Transport Canada to review and approve the operations and the vehicle characteristics related to safe operation. As Transport Canada’s role is mainly in the intercity rail and freight rail business, they apply those standards to the urban rail system. The operation of the service across the river to Gatineau would also currently trigger federal regulation. As part of the technology selection process the applicable regulations will have to be considered. ConclusionsThe technology and vehicle selected for use on Ottawa’s rail rapid transit network will depend on a number of inter-related factors that will have to be balanced to provide a system that is responsive to the climate, to the needs of the travelling public and the types of corridors that will be implemented throughout the life of the Transportation Master Plan. The characteristics described in the technology overview are all inter-connected and will require careful consideration to allow the City to select the most appropriate technology, or technologies, to operate the system. QuestionOttawa must make a number of decisions with regard to technology before going forward with a rail expansion project. What do you think are the most important issues that need to be considered with respect to technology and vehicle selection? Please provide any additional comments or suggestions you wish the City to consider in moving forward with this project in the Feedback section. |
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