FACT SHEET – OPERATIONAL CONTROL CENTRE (OCC)

An Operational Control Centre (OCC) located at the Gautrain depot in Midrand will act as the electronic nerve centre for the entire Gautrain system. From here all train movements will be monitored and controlled as will all communications, power, signaling, security surveillance, automated ticketing, public address, passenger information displays and other key station and tunnel equipment.

The exact location of the Gautrain feeder buses will also be monitored at the OCC via GPS satellite tracking systems installed in each bus.

ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE FOR TOTAL SECURITY

Several hundred high-specification Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras will keep a watchful eye over the entire system. All stations, car parks and trains will be monitored as well as entrances to the rail reserve, tunnels, and operational areas. These security cameras will be monitored at the OCC which will also coordinate appropriate rapid responses to any abnormal situation or threat to the system.

The OCC will also provide continuous location and status information of each train and bus as well as well as operational information on the signaling and power systems.
In the case of accidents, security threats, power failures or other emergencies, alarm systems will register for the immediate dispatching of the necessary safety, repair and rescue services. There is direct communication with all the necessary authorities such as the South African Police Services and the Gauteng Provincial Disaster Management Centre.

PUNCTUALITY

The daily running of the trains will be closely monitored from the OCC in order to ensure punctuality. Passengers can expect six trains per hour per direction, during peak times. Passengers will receive real-time information on timetables, fares and destinations of trains and busses. This will be displayed on electronic display systems in trains and around stations.

The control centre will be in constant voice contact with train and bus drivers to enhance punctuality, safety and security.

SAFETY

A fully computerised rail signaling system will be managed from the OCC. Efficient signaling will prevent train-to-train collisions, ensure safe movements at junctions or crossings as well as maintain safe following distances (headways) between trains. Safety is further enhanced as the OCC has the ability to remotely bring a train to a stop in the unlikely event that a driver is incapacitated.

The on-board Automatic Train Protection system (ATP) is a safety-critical system that continuously supervises the movement of the train. It warns the driver in case of exceeding the 160km design speed and when approaching stop signals or changes to the static speed profile.

In order to perform the supervising functions, the ATP system receives information from the wayside signalling system, such as speed restrictions, distances and gradients. The ATP is a continuously supervising system using intermittent updating, which means that the speed is continuously supervised but the information is given to the vehicle at ‘information locations’ located along the track.

RELIABLE POWER SUPPLY

The Main Propulsion Substation (MPS) located within the Midrand depot is fed via two independent ESKOM feeds with built-in redundancy. These in turn feed four transformers which supply traction power to five Autotransformer Paralleling Substations (APS) situated along the alignment.

Relying on integrated computer systems, the OCC will monitor and control the continuous, safe supply of power throughout the Gautrain network.