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Centralized Traffic Control (CTC)

Centralized traffic control (CTC) is a form of railway signaling. CTC consolidates train routing decisions that were previously carried out by local signal operators or the train crews themselves. The system consists of a centralized train dispatcher's office that controls railroad interlockings (control points) and traffic flows in portions of the rail system designated as CTC territory. One hallmark of CTC is a control panel with a graphical depiction of the railroad. On this panel the dispatcher can keep track of trains' locations across the territory that the dispatcher controls.

The ultimate solution of the costly train order system was developed by Centralized Traffic Control technology. CTC was designed to enable the train dispatcher to control train movements directly, by passing local operators and eliminating written train orders. Instead, the train dispatcher could directly see the trains' locations and efficiently control the trains’ movements by displaying signals and controlling switches. It was also designed to enhance safety by reporting any track occupancy to a human operator and automatically preventing trains from entering a track against the established flow of traffic.

What made CTC machines different from standard interlocking machines and Automatic Block Signals (ABS) was that the vital interlocking hardware was located at the remote location and the CTC machine only displayed track state and sent commands to the remote locations. A command to display a signal would require the remote interlocking to set the flow of traffic and check for a clear route through the interlocking. If a command could not be carried out due to the interlocking logic, the display would not change on the CTC machine. This system provided the same degree flexibility that the manual traffic control had before it, but without the cost and complexity associated with providing a manned operator at the end of every route segment.

The communication in CTC system was accomplished by pulse code systems utilizing a single common communications link and relay-based telecommunications technology. Also, beside displaying information about trains approaching and passing through interlockings, the CTC machines displayed the status of every block between interlockings. The CTC system allowed the flow of traffic to be set over many sections of track by a single person at a single location as well as control of switches and signals at interlockings.

Nowadays CTC machines control large territories. These machines eliminate the need for dispatchers to first communicate with block operators as middlemen. The electromechanical control and display systems are being replaced with computer operated displays. What sets CTC apart is the paradigm of independent train movement between fixed points under the control and supervision of a central authority.

On modern railroads dispatchers rely on computerized systems similar to supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems to view the location of trains and the display of absolute signals. These control machines prevent the dispatcher from giving two trains conflicting authority. Modern computer systems generally display a highly simplified mock-up of the track, displaying the locations of absolute signals and sidings.

CTC-controlled track is significantly more expensive to build than non-signaled track, due to the electronics and fail-safes required. CTC is generally implemented in high-traffic areas where the reduced operating cost from increased traffic density and time savings outweigh the capital cost. Recently the costs of CTC has fallen as new technologies such as microwave, satellite and rail based data links have eliminated the need for wire pole lines or fiber optic links. These systems are starting to be called train management systems.