The operation of the Lötschberg base route
Operation management
Functions and tasks
BLS has successively assumed operational responsibility for the entire Lötschberg–Simplon axis between Gümligen (exclusively) and Sierre (exclusively) to Domodossola (exclusively) over the past years. This takeover goes back to a basic agreement with SBB from 2001.
The main operational responsibilities relate to ensuring that the passage of trains and shunting activities are conducted safely and punctually. It is performed centrally from the BLS operations centre in Spiez where different experts control and monitor the traffic on the Lötschberg axis:
Control operators monitor the current operational position, analyse any
deviations from the timetable and devise measures to correct them.
Dispatchers operate the security facilities, and monitor and direct the points
on the train and shunting routes.
Tunnel operators monitor and control the technology in the tunnel (lighting,
doors and gates, ventilation, video surveillance, etc.).
Traction current operators ensure the availability of traction power and control
and monitor the overhead-contact system circuits.
Customer information assistants keep travellers at railway stations informed
of the current operational position.
The Lötschberg base tunnel’s long single-track section without any passing loops poses a special challenge. In order to maximise the capacity of this 21-kilometre-long bottleneck, wherever possible, several trains are directed through the single-track section in the same direction, one after another. Furthermore, a kind of slot system is in operation for traffic on the Lötschberg base section, similar to that employed in air traffic control: Every train entering the single-track section is assigned a scheduled time slot. If a train is delayed and misses its slot, it either has to be diverted via the mountain route or await the next free slot. It is only by employing such an operating concept that the Lötschberg base route can operate an unusually high 80 % of capacity and, on certain particularly busy days, even 100%.
Timetable scheduling and route management
BLS operational management schedules the timetable of the Lötschberg axis in collaboration with SBB and plans the use of the track and the marshalling of trains at the railway stations. It also ensures that sales of access rights are available on a non-discriminatory basis to all qualifying rail operators.
ETCS
The new ETCS Level 2 train control system is employed because it can cope with the high speeds necessary for implementation of the planned timetable (up to 250km/h) and high train frequencies. The ETCS system, which is the standard across Europe, sends driving commands directly onto a screen display in the driver’s cab via the GSM-R digital mobile network, rather than using exterior optical signalling, as was formerly the case.
Maximum speeds with ETCS
| Wengi-Ey entrance | 120 km/h |
| In the tunnel | 250 km/h |
| Rhône valley entrance | 160 km/h |