Simple ways to pace trains

As long as a train does not conflict with others trains, the energy consumption for traction can be minimized according to its times of departure, arrival, and passing through fixed points. However, when a conflict of itineraries is foreseen, pacing trains becomes a priority task to minimize delays on one hand but also to try to minimize energy consumption, wear and discomfort on the other hand. This paper presents two simple ways to pace trains thanks to a simple piece of information sent to drivers. The first one is to send information to drivers by phone about the next foreseen conflict concerning their train. The second one uses the track-side signalling system to inform the driver about the clearance of some track sections ahead of the train. Both ways let experimented drivers a large freedom to manage tight situations in a satisfying manner.