There is at least one place that mentions Crossrail
ATO▸ . The technical spec for Thameslink ATO...
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/thameslinkrollingstock/itt/trainspec.pdfThrough modelling, it has been established that the only available solution to achieving the high performance levels through the Thameslink Core Area is through ATO. For consistency with national policy and in order to minimise the complexity of onboard equipment it is necessary to integrate the ATO with an ETCS▸ compatible ATP▸ system. This document has been developed to define the requirements of a Train Control System embodying ATO and ETCS.
This document is presented initially for consultation during the bidding phase of the procurement of the new Thameslink Rolling Stock, but it is intended in subsequent releases to become the single reference specification for all aspects of the Thameslink train control systems.
It is further intended that this document will be consulted with the Crossrail project team so that extensions to functionality that would better support the Crossrail operational concept can be incorporated as early as possible in the design lifecycle. In subsequent revisions this document will therefore become a national specification for high capacity urban Train Control Systems.
I always took that to mean that the Crossrail design already includes ATO? As I've said before though, ploughing through the Crossrail site could take ages, but I'll see if I can find anything...
The signalling system on the new sections of line will be designed to provide Automatic
Train Protection, which is a system that supervises the driver^s actions. It will check that
the train stays within a braking trajectory when a caution signal has been passed,
ensuring that the train will come to a stand at the stop signal. In the central tunnels and
at points within the vicinity of the tunnel portals, Automatic Train Operation will automate
the driver^s function. It will control train stopping at stations, control speed between
stations, ensure that only the doors on the correct side can be opened at each station,
ensure trains stop in line with platform edge doors and initiate door closing. The tunnels
will be bi-directionally signalled for use during disrupted operations (for example, if a
tunnel is blocked due to a train failure). On existing lines, the current signalling system
will be used. Traction power and signalling in the central area will be controlled from a
dedicated Crossrail Route Control Centre located to the west of Romford station.
From Crossrail Environment Stament Volume 1 Chapter 2 - I can't make a link to it but I guess if you're that interested you can find it anyway.
Thameslink ATO is intended for just the core 24 tph section between Blackfriars and St Pancras, outside this area the trains will be driven normally (with a Driver Aid system to advise on best speeds to maintain regulation). This seems just as likely an operating plan for Crossrails core section as well - don't forget it is
TfL» driven, and they are quite familiar with the concept of ATO.
Now many commentators over the last year or so have suggested that 24 tph either won't happen due to cuts, or that ATO isn't necessary anyway, because conventuional four aspect signalling will allow the headways at the slow speeds through the core. This may be true, but
NR» have been quoted just as regularly denying any changes.
The recent announcements about using off the shelf stock don't preclude ATO anyway, logically an Electrostar with ATO is still an Electrostar, in the same way a
GW▸ HST▸ with ATP is still an HST. Futhermore, since when did changing the seating layout count for anything? A 2+2 seated 378 with 10 cars and ATP/ATO would meet the spec - I wouldn't call it a new design though. Thameslink have already decided on 2+2 with large standback areas, I reckon if that comes off it'll be used on Crossrail too, and that will meet their commitment to not reinventing the wheel.
(As an aside, their latest announcements repeats the Whitechapel rediesign announced some months ago, and the bit picked up by all the media about reusing existing infrastructure in Docklands (ie the former NLL through the Connaught Tunnel) has always been the plan
AIUI▸ .)
Paul
