Advanced Train Management System

The Advanced Train Management System is a train control system under development by Lockheed Martin for the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC). ATMS uses Global Positioning System to locate and track the position of trains within the ARTC network. ATMS has been proposed as a low cost functional equivalent to European Rail Traffic Management System.

The technology was originally intented for use across the Nullarbor Plain to connect the eastern states of Australia with Perth and Western Australia. However, after 20 years of delays, it was announced that Trans-Australian Railway would instead be equipped with Train Management and Control System (TMACS).

ATMS is a rail safe working system based on radio communication. Authorities are issued to equipped trains to allow them to proceed to a specified point. The ATMS compares the movement of an equipped train to the authority which has been issued, and then brakes the train if it exceeds the authority.

ATMS does not use balises, such as the ETCS system from Europe.

ATMS's particular strength is to improve safety and efficiency in remote areas where communications and power infrastructure is limited, such as in deserts. It thus involves a mixture of land-based and satellite technologies for communications and renewable power supplies due to lack of mains electricity in many cases.

Excellent following headways on single lines is provided, in excess of what is economically possible with conventional intermediate block signals. The cost of level crossing protection is reduced due to the elimination of the need for track circuits.

Trains speeds are regulated according to the speeds along the track and through turnouts (switches).

ATMS is composed of the following sub-systems: