Trains can travel at great speed, but they can’t go everywhere. In many cases, a train must pass another on the same track. To do this safely and without risking collisions, signals are used to alert operators when another train is coming in the opposite direction. To understand how this works and what impact it has on train timing, let’s take a look at how trains passing each other affects your commute.
How Long Do Trains Take To Pass?
The time it takes for a train to pass depends on the length and speed of the train, as well as the distance between the tracks. Generally, if the tracks are parallel, a fast train will take about 5 seconds to pass, while a slow train will take about 15 seconds. If the tracks are perpendicular (crossing), a fast train will take about 2 seconds to pass, while a slow train will take about 8 seconds.
Understanding Train Passing Behavior
1. The Train Is The First To Pass
When the train passes a signal, it’s the first to be seen by the operator. The operator will check his or her own set of signals and verify that they are clear. If they are, he or she will proceed through the next signal and then announce (with a whistle) that he or she has cleared all signals ahead.
2. The Train Is Not The Last To Pass
When another train passes a signal, it’s not necessarily the last one to be seen by an operator. When this happens, operators may use their radio equipment to communicate with other trains that have yet to pass a signal in order for them to proceed safely. If you see an announcement saying “passing” followed by some sort of indication like “all clear,” this means that another train has already passed that signal. And since there are no more signals ahead, it is safe for you to proceed.
3. The Train Is The Last To Pass
When another train has passed and the operator is ready to proceed, he or she will announce it by blowing the whistle and will proceed through the signal that was just cleared. If you see an announcement saying “passing” followed by some sort of indication like “all clear,” this means that another train has already passed that signal. And since there are no more signals ahead, it is safe for you to proceed.
4. The Train Is The Last To Pass
When another train has passed and the operator is ready to proceed, he or she will announce it by blowing the whistle and will proceed through the signal that was just cleared. If you see an announcement saying “passing” followed by some sort of indication like “all clear,” this means that another train has already passed that signal. And since there are no more signals ahead, it is safe for you to proceed.
How Train Schedules Are Achieved With Passing Behavior
1. Each Train Has A Schedule.
Every train has a schedule that tells it when and where it’s supposed to go. A train’s schedule is set by the railroads, who decide what trains will run in what order on which tracks.
2. Trains Are Often Scheduled To Arrive At The Same Time.
If two trains are scheduled to arrive at the same time, then one of them will need to pass another on the same track for safety reasons. This can happen with two trains traveling on the same track or two trains traveling on different tracks but heading toward each other at roughly the same speed (this is called “interlocking”). Whenever a train passes another train, it needs to know if that other train is headed toward it or away from it. If they’re heading toward each other, then they need to slow down so they don’t collide; otherwise, they must keep going at full speed in order not to collide.
3. Trains Are Usually Scheduled To Arrive At Different Times.
If two trains are scheduled to arrive at different times, then one of them will need to pass another on the same track for safety reasons. This can happen with two trains traveling on the same track or two trains traveling on different tracks but heading toward each other at roughly the same speed (this is called “interlocking”). Whenever a train passes another train, it needs to know if that other train is headed toward it or away from it. If they’re headed toward each other, then they need to slow down so they don’t collide; otherwise, they must keep going at full speed in order not to collide.
4. Trains Will Often Pass Other Trains When They’re Traveling On The Same Track.
One of the most common situations, when two trains are scheduled to arrive at the same time, is when they’re traveling on the same track, sometimes called a “block” of tracks. When two trains travel on the same track and are headed toward each other, they need to slow down so they don’t collide. If they were traveling on two different tracks, then it would be much more dangerous for them to pass each other since there would be no way for them to slow down and make sure not to collide (unless one train had a passing signal that allowed it to stop).
When Trains Must Pass Each Other
- In the morning, trains arriving at the same station must wait until the train leaving the station has cleared before they can proceed.
- In the evening, trains arriving at different stations must wait until the train left one of those stations has cleared before they can proceed.
- Trains that are running in opposite directions on a single track must wait until the other train has cleared before they can proceed.
- If a train is stopped in a station, it must wait for its next set of passengers to clear before it can move again (this is not true for express trains).
- If a passenger train is stopped on an overpass or underpass, it must wait for its next set of passengers to clear before it can move again (this is not true for express trains).
- If a train needs to wait for another train, it must wait until that other train has left the station.
The Effects Of Train Passings On Your Commute
1. Passengers
Passengers will be delayed by the time it takes for trains to pass each other. If a train travels at 30 miles per hour, and an adjacent train moves at 40 miles per hour, the passing train will move at 20 miles per hour. This means that the passing train will stop before reaching its destination, and passengers on that train will have to wait for up to 20-30 minutes before they can continue their trip.
2. Trains
In addition to delays for passengers, trains also experience delays from passing trains. When a train passes another on the same track, there is a risk of collision between the two trains. However, modern signaling systems use radio signals that alert operators when another train is coming in the opposite direction. The operator of each passing train receives this signal and adjusts their speed accordingly so that they do not collide with its counterparts. If both trains are traveling at 30 miles per hour when they meet, then both trains would slow down to 15 miles per hour. This is enough time for the trains to pass each other safely and without risk of collision.
3. Track Time
Trains must stop at signals to pass trains on the same track. This creates a delay in train time since they must wait for the signal to clear before they can proceed with their journey. In some cases, this delay can be significant, as it is not uncommon for trains to have to wait up to 20 minutes before they can continue their journey. This is also why train timing is so important: track time must be as short as possible in order for engineers and operators to keep up with demand and ensure that all passengers arrive at their destinations on time.
4. Trains Going Other Directions
Passing trains are more than just a nuisance; they also create delays for trains going in the opposite direction of the passing train’s direction of travel. When two trains meet on the same track, one will have to if a train is delayed, it may be impossible to schedule the train to arrive at the same time as another train.
Conclusion
Train passings are an expected part of the railway system. They can result in trains running behind schedule and delayed trains, but they are not indications of an accident. Train passing can be frustrating, but they are also part of the daily operation of the railway system. By understanding the causes and effects of a train passing, you can minimize your frustration.
