Glossary of Train Control Terminology v1.

2
This glossary includes many of the terms that you will encounter in the Certificate (Module A)
of the IRSE Examination. Its focus is on commonly used acronyms and on terms where, in
different countries, there are alternative names in English for the same object, role, or
function. It is not a comprehensive list of all train control terminology. It does not address
telecommunications terminology because this tends to be more consistent between
countries.
You are not expected to learn the descriptions in the 3rd column. Just look down the first
column and check if there are any terms that you are not familiar with. The term in the first
column is the one that is usually used in the examination.

Term Alternative Terms & Describing

Acronyms
Approach control Approach release The restriction of the aspect of a
(approach release) signal, to control the speed of a
train (e.g. to ensure that the
driver can comply with the turnout
speed at a junction)
Approach locking Approach locking prevents the
immediate release of a route
where it is possible that an
approaching train may be unable
to stop.
Aspect Signal lamp Any valid visual indication of a
Signal light signal as displayed to the driver.
Automatic Train Control ATC On-board automation that
contributes to or replaces the
driver’s judgement and actions in
respect of controlling the train. It
encompasses ATO and ATP.
Automatic Train ATO A system that automatically
Operation operates the train’s driving
controls
Automatic Train ATP A safety system that enforces
Protection either compliance with or
observation of speed restrictions
and/or signal aspects by trains.
Automatic Train ATS A non-safety system (common on
Supervision metros) which regulates a train
service, typically to maintain
intended traffic patterns and to
minimise the effects of train
delays on the operating schedule.
Automatic Route Setting ARS A system for setting routes
without the action of the signaller
(signal operator).
Automatic signal A signal controlled by the
passage of trains. It does not
require any action by the signaller
(signal operator) or ARS.

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 Term Alternative Terms & Describing
Acronyms
Axle counter A method of detecting the
absence of a train. Track
mounted wheel sensors detect
the passing train wheels (axles)
and the axle counter evaluator
counts the number of axles
entering and leaving a train
detection section at each
extremity.
Balise (beacon) Transponder A track mounted unit that
Tag exchanges data messages with
Beacon the train.
Cab Secure Radio CSR A secure radio communication
system between driver and
signaller (signal operator).
Colour light signal A signal that conveys its
information by coloured lights.
Computer Based CBI A safety interlocking system
Interlocking PBI based on computers or
processors.
Communications Based CBTC An Automatic Train Control
Train Control system, mostly used on metro
railways, with train location
sensing not requiring track
circuits. The train controlling
functions are enabled by
continuous data communications
between train and wayside sub-
systems.
Concentrator A facility to connect several
telephone circuits to one handset.
Control centre. Signalling centre A location where train operators
(see also Signal box) Operations control centre monitor and control the operation
Dispatch office of the railway over a large area.
Train control centre It usually incorporates operational
Network control centre functions beyond simply
controlling the signals.
Control table A part of the signalling system
specification that defines the
detail of the signalling interlocking
controls for each signalling
function, such as signals, points
and routes.
Equipment case Apparatus case A housing containing apparatus
Apparatus cupboard which is intended for unprotected
Location case outdoor use.
Cubicle
Signalling Apparatus
Box(SAB)

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 Term Alternative Terms & Describing
Acronyms
European Rail Traffic ERTMS A system for managing rail traffic,
Management System enabling it to operate on
compatible signalling systems
across European borders.
European Train Control ETCS The train control part of ERTMS.
System
Facing Points Facing point switch A track switch at a diverging
junction in the direction of travel
Fail Safe FS A characteristic of a system
which ensures that known, or
expected malfunctions will
maintain or place the equipment
in a safe state.
Flank protection Protection from overrunning
movements approaching on
converging tracks.
Fouling point The position at the convergence
or divergence of two tracks where
the structure gauge on each line
would come into contact.
Grade of Automation GoA The extent to which the functions
of the driver are controlled by a
technical system.
Global System for Mobile GSM The standard which describes
Communications the protocols for digital networks
used by mobile communications
devices.
Global System for Mobile GSM-R The system, based on GSM,
Communications - which delivers digital secure
Railway communications between railway
users (e.g. drivers and
signallers).
Headway The shortest time (or distance)
interval between two trains, so
that the second train can run at
its full permitted speed without
being restricted by the signal
aspects.
Impedance bond A device which presents a low
impedance to traction current and
a higher impedance to track
circuit current.
Insulated Rail Joint IRJ A joint of two sections of rail with
Insulated Block Joint insulation between them to
(IBJ) maintain electrical isolation,
usually for track circuit purposes.
Interlocking A general term applied to the
system, which sets, secures and
releases train routes for the safe
movement of trains and transmits
safe movement authorities to the
train driver.

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 Term Alternative Terms & Describing
Acronyms
Level crossing. Grade crossing An intersection at the same
elevation of a road and one or
more rail tracks
Limit of Shunt LOS An indicator or sign to instruct the
driver to terminate a shunting
movement, particularly along a
line in the wrong direction.
Line capacity For a given section of line, the
practical maximum number of
trains per hour permitted by the
signalling system and operational
constraints.
Maintainer Signal electrician A person who keeps the
Signal technician signalling or communications
Technician systems in safe and reliable
working order.
Maintenance manager A person responsible for the safe
and reliable working of the
signalling or communications
systems and/or for supervising
the maintenance activities.
Operator A person who operates the
signalling or communications
systems and is responsible for
the safe operation of trains.
Overlap The distance beyond a signal that
must be clear before a train is
permitted to approach it.
Permissible speed Line speed The maximum allowable safe
speed over a section of line.
Point machine Point operating The equipment for the powered
mechanism operation of a set of points
Points Switches The means by which a train is
transferred from one track to
another.
Possession (of a line) Occupation The complete stoppage of all
normal train movements on a
running line or siding, usually for
engineering purposes.
Right side failure Negligible risk failure A failure which does not result in
the protection provided by the
signalling system being reduced.
Route locking Maintained locking Maintains the locking associated
Route holding with a route in use until after the
train has passed clear of the
equipment being locked (for
example, points or opposing
signal).
Running line Mainline A railway line that is not in a
siding or depot.

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 Term Alternative Terms & Describing
Acronyms
Semaphore signal Mechanical signal A signal which informs a driver by
means of the position of a
mechanical arm during daylight
and coloured lights during
darkness
Signal box Signal cabin The building in which the
(see also Control centre) signaller(s) is/are situated
together with the control and
indication system for the
signalling.
Signaller (signal operator) Dispatcher A person responsible for the
(see also train controller) Signalman operation of the signalling
Train control operator system, to safely control the
passage and regulation of trains.
Signalling Equipment SER A “walk-in” room or independent
Room Bungalow building for housing signalling
REB (Relocatable equipment
Equipment Building)
Signalling panel Signalling workstation The equipment that displays train
Train control workstation information to the signaller (signal
Control panel operator) and which enables
Switch panel control of the signalling by
buttons, keyboards or
touchscreens.
Toe of point The end of a switch rail furthest
from the crossing of the rails.
Track Circuit TC An electrical device using the
rails in an electric circuit, which
detects the absence of trains on a
defined section of line.
Trailing points Trailing point switch A track switch at a converging
junction in the direction of travel
Train controller Network controller A person responsible for safely
managing a section of railway
including prioritising train
movements, authorising track
possessions and manging
incidents. The person may also
operate the signalling system as
shown for a ‘Signaller’ above
Train Control System TCS The system used in the control
centre to convert operator inputs
into commands to the signalling
system and for sending
indications from the signalling
system and train descriptions to
the signalling panel.

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 Term Alternative Terms & Describing
Acronyms
Train driver Train operator The person in the cab of a train
Locomotive operator operating or supervising the
Engine driver braking and acceleration of the
Motorman train under instructions from the
signalling system, a dispatcher or
lineside signs.
Wrong Side Failure WSF A failure that results in the
protection provided by the
signalling system being reduced
or removed.

The far more comprehensive ‘Glossary of Signalling Terms’ published by the UK Rail Safety
and Standards Board is acknowledged in the preparation of this appendix.

4_Glossary of Train Control Terminology v1.2.docx 20-Dec-21