Method and system for checking track integrity

A method for controlling a train comprising the steps of:

• transmitting an interrogation message to a track circuit transceiver associated with a track circuit near the train;
• listening for a response from the track circuit transceiver, the response including an indication as to a condition of a section of track monitored by the track circuit;
• and
• reporting the response to a person operating the train.

A system for controlling a train, the system comprising:

• a control unit;
• a warning device connected to the control unit;
• a brake interface unit, the brake interface unit being in communication with the control unit and connected to a train brake, the brake interface unit being operable to activate the train brake under control of the control unit;
• and
• a transceiver, the transceiver being located on the train and being in communication with the control unit;
• wherein the control unit is configured to perform the steps of
• transmitting an interrogation message to a track circuit transceiver associated with a track circuit near the train;
• listening for a response from the track circuit transceiver, the response including an indication as to a condition of a section of track monitored by the track circuit;
• allowing the train to continue if the response indicates that it is safe for the train to proceed is received;
• if no response is received or if a response with an indication that it is not safe to proceed is received,
• activating a warning device to provide a warning;
• stopping the train by activating the brakes via the brake interface unit if an acknowledgment of the warning is not received or the train is not slowed to a safe speed within a period of time;
• and
• if an acknowledgment of the warning is received and the train is slowed to the safe speed within the period of time, ensuring that the safe speed is maintained until the section of track has been passed.

A method for controlling a train comprising the steps of:

• transmitting an interrogation message to a track circuit transceiver associated with a track circuit near the train, the track circuit being configured to monitor a section of track;
• listening for a response from the track circuit, the response including an indication as to a condition of a section of track monitored by the track circuit;
• allowing the train to continue if a response indicating that it is safe for the train to proceed is received;
• if a response with a correct configuration is not received or if the response indicates that it is not safe for the train to proceed,
• reducing a speed of the train;
• activating a warning device to provide a warning;
• stopping the train if an acknowledgment of the warning is not received with a period of time or the train is not reduced to a safe speed;
• and
• if an acknowledgment of the warning is received and the train is reduced to the safe speed within the period of time, ensuring that the safe speed is maintained until the section of track monitored by the track circuit has been passed.