A system of train control uses a quasi-moving block methodology for controlling operation of a plurality of trains from a remote office. The office parses the route information for each train into non-overlapping movement authorities that are issued via a communications network. As each train proceeds, it communicates with the office to automatically roll up its movement authority and release the portion of the movement authority behind the train. The office then extends the movement authority of the subsequent train to reflect the released portion of the movement authority of the leading train. The track can be divided into a series of track circuits to enable detection of broken rail or unexpected occupancy. The office segment can then control operation of trains accordingly if broken rail or unexpected occupancy is detected in the train's movement authority.

A method and a system determine a subsequent number of guided vehicles occupying a track section of a railway network. The system has a trackside device configured for controlling and managing a movement authority of a guided vehicle for a track section and at least one neighboring trackside device. Each neighboring trackside device is configured for controlling and managing a movement authority for a directly neighboring track section. The trackside device is configured for calculating the subsequent number of guided vehicles from a number of guided vehicles occupying the track section previously determined by the trackside device and information received from each neighboring trackside device regarding a number of guided vehicles entering, from the track section. The directly neighboring track section is controlled by the neighboring trackside device and a number of guided vehicles leaving the directly neighboring track section for the track section.

A method and a system determine a subsequent number of guided vehicles occupying a track section of a railway network. The system has a trackside device configured for controlling and managing a movement authority of a guided vehicle for a track section and at least one neighboring trackside device. Each neighboring trackside device is configured for controlling and managing a movement authority for a directly neighboring track section. The trackside device is configured for calculating the subsequent number of guided vehicles from a number of guided vehicles occupying the track section previously determined by the trackside device and information received from each neighboring trackside device regarding a number of guided vehicles entering, from the track section. The directly neighboring track section is controlled by the neighboring trackside device and a number of guided vehicles leaving the directly neighboring track section for the track section.

A method of railroad track control includes partitioning a physical track block into a plurality of virtual track blocks, the physical track block defined by first and second insulated joints disposed at corresponding first and second ends of a length of railroad track. The presence of an electrical circuit discontinuity in one of the plurality of virtual track blocks; is detected and in response a corresponding virtual track block position code indicating the presence of the discontinuity in the one of the plurality of virtual track blocks is generated.

A method of railroad track control includes partitioning a physical track block into a plurality of virtual track blocks, the physical track block defined by first and second insulated joints disposed at corresponding first and second ends of a length of railroad track. The presence of an electrical circuit discontinuity in one of the plurality of virtual track blocks; is detected and in response a corresponding virtual track block position code indicating the presence of the discontinuity in the one of the plurality of virtual track blocks is generated.

A method of railroad track control includes partitioning a physical track block into a plurality of virtual track blocks, the physical track block defined by first and second insulated joints disposed at corresponding first and second ends of a length of railroad track. The presence of an electrical circuit discontinuity in one of the plurality of virtual track blocks; is detected and in response a corresponding virtual track block position code indicating the presence of the discontinuity in the one of the plurality of virtual track blocks is generated.

A method of railroad track control includes partitioning a physical track block into a plurality of virtual track blocks, the physical track block defined by first and second insulated joints disposed at corresponding first and second ends of a length of railroad track. The presence of an electrical circuit discontinuity in one of the plurality of virtual track blocks; is detected and in response a corresponding virtual track block position code indicating the presence of the discontinuity in the one of the plurality of virtual track blocks is generated.

The system can include a dispatcher and a plurality of cars. However, the system 100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The system 100 functions to enable platooning of the plurality of cars (e.g., by way of the method S100).

A cargo container loading and unloading system for a transportation system, the cargo container loading and unloading system including a loading zone; and at least one opening connecting the loading zone to a transportation tube of the transportation system.

A cargo container loading and unloading system for a transportation system, the cargo container loading and unloading system including a loading zone; and at least one opening connecting the loading zone to a transportation tube of the transportation system.