Significant Features of Innovating Signal Control and Transport Management Systems

In Europe, the importance of transportation management systems and signal control is growing. Such increase takes place against a backdrop of trans-European rail network construction and safety management establishment for the aforementioned network. After examining these systems, the author argues that Japanese efforts in the field, underway from a different perspective, should be globally shared since Japan is a sector opinion leader. The author further recommends that Japan propose international standards on railroad-management vision-based advanced signal control and transportation management system. Technology development for transportation management systems and signal control, such as the next generation greater Tokyo area rail system, the Advanced Train Administration and Communications System, and network signal control systems, is being conducted in Japan.