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Connections

Connections are links between two or more trains and are inserted when the vehicle is creating a condition between the arrival(s) and departure(s) between different trains. They are necessary requirement for the rostering. Connections can be created in the track occupation diagram by drawing a rectangle with the mouse encompassing the trains to be connected. It is also possible to use the context menu function with a right-click on the first train. It is a requirement that the trains to be connected are placed on the same track.

Connections are created for each train and operating day individually. If there are many variants and operating days in use, connections could be different for each calendar date. It is good practice to create connection only after the timetable has been checked for conflicts.

If connected trains need to be modified there are four different possibilities, depending on the specific modifications:

  1. The connection is removed before changes are made to the timetable. This is the recommended method and ensures full control for the planner!
  2. The connection is not removed, but unaffected by the chages: Nothing happens!
  3. The connection is not removed and affected - it changes the status to invalid: The connection can be restored, when the conditions for its validity return (for example by modifying the second train, too). If no further modifcations are made, the connection will remain unvalid. It is possible to create completely new connections.
  4. The connection is not removed and the modification is blocked: Nothing happens!

Connection validity​

A connection can be invalid for a couple of reasons:

  • train order
  • entry type pass
  • different tracks
  • missing track information
  • train deleted or missing

An invalid connection can return to an valid status is the reason for invalidity is removed, for example if the train order is restored. An invalid connection is not visualised in the track occupation diagram, therefore the connection table should be checked.

Balanced Connection​

The connection is checked for balanced incoming and outgoing trainset parts. If the connection is not balanced and either more outgoing or more incoming trainset parts are part of the connection, or the connection is of entirely different trainset parts, or one of the trainsets does not have trainset parts, a coloured triangel will appear to highlight the need for user intervention:

  1. Violett: Trainset information is missing for one or more trains.
  2. Rose: Trainset parts information is missing for one or more trains.
  3. Orange: Trainset parts are not the same.
  4. Yellow: Number of Trainsets parts is not balanced between incoming and outgoing trains.

Connection table​

Under the Timetable tab the connection view displays the list of all connections (valid and invalid). It allows the user to delete connections, especially the invalid ones that are not needed any more. It also allows to modify certain characteristics of the connection, such as Minimum Turnaround Time or Operating Period.

Conflict checker for connections​

The conflict checker "Turnback time" checks the planned turnaround time against the Minimum Turnaround Time (MTT). The MTT can be set manually in the connection table or in the trainset information in the Project. The check "Turnaround connections" checks for missing connections or problems with existing connections (in other words if connections are valid and balanced).